Infectious disease

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by a fungus called Candida, being infections caused by Candida albicans the most common. This fungus is found in different parts of the body, such as skin, mouth or vagina, without causing any condition. It is the excessive and sudden growth of this fungus that can lead to an imbalance in the rest of the body's microorganisms, causing an infection that can range from the superficial, such as oral candidiasis and vaginitis, to the systemic and potentially fatal, known such as candidemia, which usually affects immunosuppressed people. Although it is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) per se, it is possible to transmit the candidiasis infection through sexual intercourse. The most common symptoms are inflammation, redness, changes in vaginal discharge, fissures, burning, itching and painful urination and sexual intercourse. Depending on the extent of the infection, and the general condition of the patient, a topical or systemic antifungal treatment is recommended, in addition to probiotics. As a prevention, it is recommended to thoroughly dry all parts of the body, maintain a good diet and hygiene, and avoid antibiotics. The diagnosis of the disease is made through a blood or tissue sample culture, blood test or PCR.

It can be stated that practically all people will contract candidiasis throughout their lives, fundamentally women, being eight times more frequent than in men. It is estimated that 75% of women will suffer at least one episode of candidiasis in their lives, 90% of female genital infections are due to Candida albicans and patients with AIDS and cancer patients have a high chance of getting candidiasis.