Forms of CANDIDIASIS

The fungus "Candida Albicans" is a normal commensal of oral cavity,gastro-intestinal,vagina and skin.
It is a yeast like fungus and becomes pathogenic in fallowing conditions:
-Prolonged antibiotic
-immunosuprpresive therapy.
-others states of immunocompromization as diabetes and AIDS.

Forms of Candidiasis:
1.Superficial Candidiasis:
This is the most common form.It is usually due to prolonged use of antibiotics.
Manifestations are:
-Thrush: White patches in oral mucosa composed of fungal colonies.The submucosa shows infalmmation.
-Vaginal Lesions: similar to oral thrush (white patches and inflammation).
-Paroncychia (lesions under the nails) and macerations of interdigital skin.

2.Gastrointestinal Candidiasis:
Is most common in oesophagus and particularly in AIDS.

3.Invasive Candidiasis:
It is due to blood spread.It is oftenly fatal.The manifestations include:
-renal,hepatic,pulmonary and myocardial abscesses.
-endocarditis.
-brain:microabscesses and meningitis.