RE: 2. Candida albicans

Fungal infections can be caused by a yeast called candida. This fungus is in small amounts on the skin in the mouth and can be in the intestines. Candida is responsible for infections such as thrush and vaginal yeast infections.

This fungus can overgrow which will turn into a “yeast infection” Also known as candidiasis. Common infections from this fungus are vaginal yeast infections, diaper rashes, and oral thrush. There is also invasive candidiasis which is a severe infection that targets the whole body specifically in the blood, bones, brain, and heart. Common areas of infection are inside the mouth and throat, inside the vagina and rectum, in the diaper area on infants, and commonly on folded areas of skin such as under the breasts, armpits, and groin.

Candida albicans was identified in 400 BC by Greek physician Hippocrates. He identified the infection and named it “thrush”. It was then studied more extensively in the late 20th century when different strains of candida Albicans were identified.

The symptoms of this disease include a red rash, itching, lumpy white patches, blisters, pain soreness or discomfort, burning sensations, and four vaginal yeast infections vaginal discharge is also a symptom. Some causes of the overgrowth are stress, uncontrolled diabetes, weakened immune system, and having a diet that has excess carbohydrates, yeast, and sugar. Also taking antibiotics steroids and oral contraceptives with hormones can cause overgrowth. This is not normally contagious or transmissible look for new mothers if the infant develops thrush the mother may develop an infection as well. 

This can be diagnosed with a visual examination of the mouth or throat. Some providers may perform a swab culture to confirm and examine under a microscope. Candida albicans can be treated with oral or topical antifungal medication. Most infections will clear up in 10 to 14 days. The way to prevent infections is by maintaining good oral and physical hygiene, eating well and controlling blood sugars if diabetic, and managing stress levels. If an infection is left untreated it can systematically spread which could cause a sepsis infection.

References

Candida albicans: Infections, symptoms & treatments. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22961-candida-albicans 

Kabir MA, Hussain MA, Ahmad Z. Candida albicans: A Model Organism for Studying Fungal Pathogens. ISRN Microbiol. 2012;2012:538694. Published 2012 Sep 29. doi:10.5402/2012/538694

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