d2: opportunistic mycosis

is Candida albicans dimorphic? how might this help defend it against macrophages?

dimorphic fungus

yeast forms are more easily disseminated in the blood

when macrophages eat them, Candida will switch to filamentous growth → stretch out and rip the cell apart physically

what is oral thrush?

overgrowth of Candida on the tongue, throat

what is genital candidiasis?

overgrowth of Candida in the vagina or urethra

what are the symptoms of oral thrush and genital candidiasis?

redness, itching

white or yellow patches

diagnoses microscopically: look for yeast forms under microscope

who is most likely to catch either of these diseases?

people who are taking antibiotics:

• resident bacteria keep Candida from growing

• antibiotics wipe out resident bacteria, have no effect on Candida

also common in infants → have not established normal microbiome yet

what is systemic candidiases?

Candida in the blood

who is mostly like affected by systemic candidiases?

fourth most common bloodstream infection in hospitalized patients

in immune compromised individuals, Candida albicans can become invasive and cause a systemic infection

what are the symptoms of systemic candidiasis?

fever, chills that don’t respond to antibiotic treatment (because they’re eukaryotes)

highly variable symptoms, depending on organ affected

organ faillure, death may result without treatment

how is systemic candidiasis diagnosed?

presence of yeast form fungi in the blood

culture, serological tests to identify species

• differences in sensitivity

how is systemic candidiasis treated?

anti-fungal drugs

relapse is common