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Candida Dubliniensis Treatment

Candida dubliniensis is a type of fungal infection very similar to candida albicans, or oral thrust. Essentially, candida dubliniensis is a yeast infection, as is the albicans strain of the fungus. It usually appears in the mouth but can appear on other parts of the body. Treatment depends on how aggressive the infection is.

  1. Understanding Candida Dubliniensis

    • Candida dubliniensis was identified by doctors in 1995. Until then, candida infections were diagnosed as candida albicans. When doctors realized there was another strain of candida behind some infections, they went back and tested past candida samples. They discovered that in Europe, about 2 percent of candida albican cases were actually candida dubliniensis. In the U.S., about 1.5 percent of cases had been incorrectly diagnosed. Candida dubliniensis is most common in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or those undergoing chemotherapy. Candida dubliniensis has a different DNA makeup than candida albicans and does not grow at 42 degrees C, as candida albicans does (this is the way doctors differentiate between the two). In terms of symptoms and treatment, however, these two types of candida are similar.

    Treating Candida Dubliniensis

    • Like candida albicans, the first-line treatment for candida dubliniensis is Fluconazole. This anti-fungal medication is an effective treatment for some candida dubliniensis patients, but some candida dubliniensis cases appear to be resistant to it. The results of a study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy suggested that candida dubliniensis develops a quick resistance to Fluconazole. Using larger doses may help in some patients, while others will need another treatment entirely. Amphotericin B and itraconazole are two other anti-fungal medications effective in treating candida dubliniensis when Fluconazole fails. According to the Mayo Clinic, good oral hygiene, saltwater rinses, and avoiding sugar and yeast-heavy foods may also help.

    Working with Your Doctor

    • Any kind of candida infection can be a serious matter for people with suppressed immune systems. Keep an eye out for the signs of a candida infection, such as painful, white sores in your mouth, change in taste sensation, and a dry, cottonmouth feeling. Alert your doctor as soon as you experience any of these symptoms, so treatment can begin. Since immunosuppressed people are likely to be on other medications, your doctor will work closely with you to make sure your candida treatment does not interfere with any of your other treatments. According to the Mayo Clinic, some anti-fungal medications cause liver damage, so your doctor will likely monitor your liver through blood work while you are on treatment.

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