Overview
As stated in the Introduction
section, infections caused by Candida sp are major causes of morbidity and
mortality causing diverse spectrum of clinical diseases that range from
superficial and mucosal infections to invasive disease associated with
candidemia and metastatic organ involvement.
A detailed discussion about the prevalence of candidiasis
can be found in the Epidemiology
section.
The Pathophysiology section states that candidiasis is a result
of Candida overgrowth, accompanied by a breakdown of host defenses and/or
localized disruption of the microbiome. Additionally, pathogenicity is made
possible through the presence of virulence factors and change in morphology.
As
mentioned in the Etiology section, Candida
albicans is the causative organism of mucocutaneous candidiasis. Non-albicans
species such as Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and Candida
tropicalis have also been identified, with C albicans, C glabrata, C
tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and C kruse being capable of
causing invasive disease.
Candidiasis_Disease SummaryHistory and Physical Examination
The Clinical Presentation section describes the different forms of candidiasis and their respective signs and symptoms.
Diagnosis
As stated in the Diagnosis or
Diagnostic Criteria section,
a detailed patient history and thorough physical examination is strongly
recommended as part of the diagnosis of candidiasis.
The various diagnostic tests that can be done in candidiasis
are featured in the Laboratory Tests and
Ancillaries section.
The Imaging
section discusses imaging modalities like non-contrast axial
computed tomography (CT) scan and Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron
emission tomography/CT ([18F]-FDG PET/CT), and how they can be used in the
diagnosis.
The alternative diagnoses for candidiasis and its different
presentations are mentioned in the Differential
Diagnosis section.
Management
The Principles of Therapy
discusses the factors to be considered in choosing an antifungal agent. The
duration of treatment and the possible consequences of premature
discontinuation are also discussed in this section.
The Pharmacological
Therapy section discusses in
detail the various agents that can be used in candidiasis.
The Nonpharmacological section states other measures such as
removing and properly maintaining dentures how dentures.
The Prevention
section mentions the steps for infection control and the different agents
effective for the control of Candida spp.
As stated in
the Monitoring section, that
treatment regimen is modified if symptoms are persistent several days after
treatment initiation. This section also discusses the importance of monitoring
liver function in those with prolonged azole therapy and doing repeat endoscopy
in those with persistent esophageal candidiasis.
