Candida Glabrata Urinary Tract Infection

Candida glabrata is a fungus found normally on human mucous membranes. Candida species exist in 31 to 51 percent of healthy individuals, most often in the oral cavity. While the mortality rate for bacterial infections has declined, there has been a significant increase in fungal, especially Candida glabrata, infections in the urinary tract over the last two decades.

Reasons for Increase

• Part of the increase can be attributed to HIV patients and the nature of the illness. The recent tendency to prescribe antibiotics is another possible source. Normal flora bacteria aid in fighting fungus. As the colonies of bacteria decrease, the rate of Candida may increase, causing an imbalance. The advancements in medical science may also be at blame. There are an increased number of indwelling devices available to aid patients that, at times, will cause infection.

Risk Factors

• Elderly patients using a catheter and who have recently been given a series of antibiotics are one high-risk group. Another at-risk group might be immunocompromised patients, such as people with HIV, AIDS or on chemotherapy. Organ transplant patients on drugs that suppress the immune system are at risk. Frequent hospital stays appear to be a factor in Candida glabrata infection too.

Symptoms

• Symptoms for Candida glabrata infection can mirror those of other urinary tract problems such as bacterial cystitis. Specific indications are blood in the urine, painful urination, increased frequency of bathroom visits, suprapubic tenderness and an irritated urethra or bladder.

Tests

• The doctor will take a sample of any discharge as well as a urine sample for culturing. There are also tests available that react to poisonous toxins produced by Candida glabrata, such as the organic acid test.

Treatment

• The most effective drug for treatment is Flucytosine, although there has been a recent resistance to its use. There are also natural remedies available, such as coconut oil and organic oregano oil. High doses are required of both.

  Due to the seriousness of this type infection, you should see a physician before undergoing any type of treatment.