The Effects of Candida

Candida is a species of yeast that can cause fungal infections called candidiasis in mucus membranes throughout the body, including the mouth and vagina. The infection, commonly termed a "yeast infection," is not dangerous and is easily treatable in people with ordinary immune systems. However, it can be life-threatening in people with compromised or suppressed immune systems, such as those recovering from chemotherapy or in those who have HIV or AIDS.

Treatment of Common Infections

• Candida infections are prevalent among humans around the world. The infections are usually localized and easily treatable with antifungal drugs known as antimycotics. Localized infections are treated with topical antimycotics, but if the infection spreads or continues to return despite treatment, systemic drugs are usually prescribed. In special cases, antibiotics are used in treatment, but only sparingly, because they can suppress healthy bacteria as well.

Causes

• Candida is present in every healthy human body in the intestines, genitals, mouth and throat. It can spread to become an infection because of poor hygiene, sexual contact with infected individuals, temporary suppression of the immune system or improper use of products such as douches. Systemic infections, which are present throughout the bloodstream, only occur in people with serious immune system problems.

Symptoms

• Candidiasis usually presents as a reddened, itchy, irritated patch around the affected area. It is usually accompanied by an off-white discharge or thin coating with the consistency of curdled milk or cottage cheese. This discharge often appears as a coating over the tongue and parts of the mouth in oral infections. In some cases, no symptoms may appear for a substantial period of time. As the infection progresses, it can impair mental functioning, cause fatigue, migraines and lead to digestive difficulties.

Sexually Transmitted Candidiasis

• Candidiasis can be transmitted sexually, particularly if the affected areas are not cleaned before and after intercourse. It is more common in women, but men can carry the infection as well. The infection is not caused by frequent sexual activity, and condom usage does not have any influence on prevalence.

Systemic Candidiasis

• Systemic candidiasis can be fatal, although it usually responds well to antimycotic medication. Infection can spread to the joints, muscle tissue and any organ in the body, impairing bodily function and potentially causing organ failure. Anyone with a low white blood cell count can be vulnerable to opportunistic candidiasis.