Candidiasis An overview Dr Rajesh Patil Sir.pptx

Candidiasis

1. Candidiasis: An Overview Opportunistic Fungal Infection Dr Rajesh S Patil Prof and Head Dept of Pathology M.R Medical College

2. Definition: Candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused primarily by Candida albicans and occasionally by Candida tropicalis . Normal Flora: Skin Mucocutaneous areas Intestines Vagina Pathogenicity: Occurs when the balance between the host and the organism is disturbed.

3. Predisposing Factors Impaired Immunity Prolonged Use of Oral Contraceptives Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy Corticosteroid Therapy Diabetes Mellitus Obesity Pregnancy

4. Morphologic Features - Candida can cause: Superficial infections Deep tissue invasions Superficial Infections: Oral Thrush Candidal Vaginitis Cutaneous Candidiasis Deep Tissue Invasions: Systemic Candidiasis

5. Oral Thrush Common in early life Creamy white pseudomembranes on tongue, soft palate, buccal mucosa Severe cases may show ulceration

6. Candidal Vaginitis: Thick, yellow, curdy discharge Pseudomembranes on vaginal mucosa Pruritic; may extend to vulva (vulvovaginitis) and perineum

7. Cutaneous Candidiasis Involvement of nail folds (paronychia) Colonization in intertriginous areas (e.g., axilla, groin, infra- and inter-mammary folds, intergluteal folds, interdigital spaces)

8. Systemic Candidiasis Rare, usually occurs as a terminal event in severe immunosuppression Entry through ulcerative lesions or iatrogenic means (e.g., intravenous infusion, peritoneal dialysis, urinary catheterization) Common Lesions: Kidneys: Ascending pyelonephritis Heart: Candidal endocarditis

9. Summary: Candida is a normal flora that becomes pathogenic under certain conditions. Clinical manifestations vary from superficial mucocutaneous infections to severe systemic disease. Management involves addressing predisposing factors and using appropriate antifungal treatments.

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