What is Candida albicans?
Candida albicans is part of our natural microflora — or the microorganisms that commonly live in or on our bodies. It can be found in the GI tract, the mouth, and the vagina.
Most of the time it causes no issues, but it’s possible for overgrowths and infections to happen.
Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections in people. Its species name, albicans, comes from the Latin word for “white.” The yeast appears white when cultured on a plate. And in the case of certain infections, like thrush, it can create white patches.
We look more closely at types of Candida albicans infections and how they’re treated.
Candida species can also infect your skin and mucus membranes.
Candida albicans is most often the cause of a fungal skin infection, although other Candida strains can also cause it.
Areas that are warm, moist, or sweaty provide good environments for yeast to thrive. Examples of such areas include the armpits, groin, the skin between your fingers and toes, the corners of your mouth, and the area under your breasts.
Other risk factors for developing a Candida skin infection include:
- wearing tight or synthetic undergarments
- having poor hygiene or changing undergarments infrequently, including infrequent diaper changes for infants
- taking antibiotics or corticosteroid drugs
- having diabetes
- having a weakened immune system
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a Candida skin infection is a red rash that forms in the affected area.
In some cases, blister-like lesions can form. The skin may also become thickened or produce a white substance that has a curd-like appearance.
Treatment
Antifungal creams are typically given to clear the skin infection. They can contain antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole.
A steroid cream may also be given to help ease any itching or swelling. The skin should also be kept dry while recovering.
In cases where the infection is widespread, oral fluconazole pills may be prescribed.
How are Candida infections diagnosed?
In order to diagnose candidiasis, your doctor will first take your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They may also ask if you have any conditions or medications that could lead to a weakened immune system, or if you’ve taken a course of antibiotics recently.
Many common cases of candidiasis can often be diagnosed through a physical examination.
If your doctor is uncertain if your symptoms are due to a Candida infection, they may take a sample from the affected area. This sample can then be used to culture the organism and to identify what species it is. For example, if candidemia is suspected, your doctor will collect a blood sample for testing.
Identifying the species of Candida that’s causing your infection is also helpful because your doctor will be able to prescribe an antifungal medication that will be effective in treating that particular species.
Other Candida infections
If Candida albicans enter your bloodstream, they can cause serious infections not only in your blood but in other organs as well.
Neutropenia — a key risk factor
An important risk factor for developing more invasive Candida conditions is neutropenia. This is when there are abnormally low levels of cells called neutrophils in your blood. It can make you more prone to infections.
People that are commonly affected by neutropenia include people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, and people with leukemia or other bone marrow diseases.
Individuals that have neutropenia and an invasive Candida infection have different treatment recommendations.
Candidemia
Candidemia is a blood infection with Candida species. It can lead to long hospital stays and an increase in mortality due to concurrent conditions.
Risk factors for candidemia include:
- immunosuppression
- use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
- major surgery
- placement of a medical device such as a feeding tube or catheter
Symptoms
Symptoms can resemble those of bacterial sepsis and can include:
- fever
- kidney failure
- shock
Diagnosis and treatment
Candidemia can be diagnosed when the yeast is isolated from a blood sample.
Treatment may depend on the species of Candida causing the infection, but can include IV doses of fluconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, or amphotericin B. Catheters should also be removed.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart, which includes the heart chambers and valves.
Fungal endocarditis is a very serious condition with a high mortality rate. Candida albicans is responsible for 24 to 46 percent of all cases of fungal endocarditis.
Risk factors for developing this condition include:
- a weakened immune system
- heart abnormalities or defects
- prolonged antibiotic use
- cardiovascular surgery
- implantation of medical devices, such as a feeding tube, catheter, or prosthetic heart valves
Symptoms
Symptoms of fungal endocarditis can include:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- generalized body pain, sometimes in the lower extremities
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms are often similar to endocarditis caused by bacteria.
Treatment may include intravenous (IV) fluconazole or amphotericin B, removal of any infected medical device, and possible surgical removal of fungus from the tissue.
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye that can be caused by fungus. It can lead to loss of vision.
Candida albicans is the most common Candida species involved, although Candida tropicalis can also cause the infection.
Risk factors for endophthalmitis are:
- recent hospitalization
- recent surgery
- a weakened immune system
- having a medical device such as a catheter or IV inserted
Symptoms
The condition can affect one or both eyes. The main symptom is inflammation in the eye, although in some cases pus can be present in the tissues of the eye.
Diagnosis and treatment
Endophthalmitis can be diagnosed through a retinal examination as well as by analyzing a sample of fluid from your eye.
Treatment can include amphotericin B with flucytosine. Fluconazole can also be used.
Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues that surround your brain and spinal cord. Fungal meningitis can occur when fungus travels through the blood to your spinal cord. Fungal meningitis caused by Candida is often acquired within a hospital.
Factors that can put you at risk for meningitis caused by Candida can include:
- immunosuppression
- certain medications such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or corticosteroids
- a recent surgical procedure
Symptoms
Symptoms of fungal meningitis include:
- headache
- stiff neck
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- sensitivity to light
- confusion
Diagnosis and treatment
If a fungus is suspected for causing your meningitis, a sample of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) will be taken and cultured.
The recommended treatment of meningitis caused by Candida species is amphotericin B with flucytosine.
Intra-abdominal candidiasis
Intra-abdominal candidiasis can also be referred to as Candida peritonitis. It’s an inflammation of the lining of your inner abdomen caused by a yeast infection.
The condition is most commonly caused by Candida albicans although other Candida species can cause it as well.
Some risk factors for developing intra-abdominal candidiasis include:
- a recent abdominal surgery or procedure
- undergoing peritoneal dialysis
- antibiotic therapy
- conditions such as diabetes
Symptoms
The symptoms of intra-abdominal candidiasis can be very similar, if not indistinguishable, from bacterial peritonitis. Symptoms can include:
- pain or bloating in your abdomen
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- feeling tired or fatigued
- diarrhea
- diminished appetite
In order to diagnose the condition, your doctor will take a sample of abdominal fluid (peritoneal fluid). If Candida is causing the infection, yeast will be observed in the sample.
Treatment
Treatment can include antifungal drugs such as:
- fluconazole
- amphotericin B
- caspofungin
- micafungin
Catheters should be removed as well.
Osteomyelitis and fungal arthritis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection while fungal arthritis (also called septic arthritis) is a fungal infection of a joint. Both conditions can be caused by Candida species, although this is rare. Bacterial infections are more common.
Risk factors for developing these conditions can include:
- having a weakened immune system
- experiencing a recent bone injury or orthopedic procedure
- having an IV or a catheter
- conditions such as diabetes
Symptoms
Symptoms of these conditions include pain or swelling in the affected area that can be accompanied by fever or chills. People with fungal arthritis can also have great difficulty using the affected joint.
In order to determine if a fungal infection is causing osteomyelitis, a bone biopsy may be needed. Analysis of joint fluid can determine if arthritis is due to a fungal infection.
If a blood infection caused either condition, Candida may also be detected in the blood.
Treatment
Treatment can include courses of antifungal medication such as amphotericin B and fluconazole.
Candida albicans and you
Normally, Candida species are a part of the natural microflora of the GI tract, skin, and vagina, and don’t cause disease. Some circumstances, such as taking a long course of antibiotics or having a weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing a Candida infection.
The most common Candida infections, such as vaginal and skin infections, are localized and can be treated with antifungal drugs. An untreated Candida infection carries the risk of leading to a systemic infection in which other organs can become involved.
If you notice symptoms that are consistent with those of a Candida infection, see your doctor in order to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
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