Paper II
2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Mucocutaneous candidiasis

Q72 marksShort Notes

Answer

Mucocutaneous candidiasis refers to Candida infection confined to skin and mucous membranes (as opposed to invasive/systemic candidiasis), most commonly caused by Candida albicans.

Clinical forms:

  • Oral candidiasis (thrush) — white, curd-like plaques on an erythematous base, classically seen in infants, immunocompromised/HIV patients, and after broad-spectrum antibiotic or inhaled corticosteroid use.
  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis — itching, curd-like discharge, particularly common in diabetics and pregnancy.
  • Cutaneous candidiasis (intertrigo) — moist skin fold infection.
  • Candidal onychomycosis/paronychia — nail and nail-fold infection.
  • Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis — a rare, persistent, treatment-resistant form seen in specific T-cell immunodeficiency states.

Laboratory diagnosis: direct microscopy (KOH mount/Gram stain) showing budding yeast with/without pseudohyphae; culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar; germ tube test for rapid C. albicans identification.

Treatment: topical or oral azole antifungals (clotrimazole, fluconazole); addressing underlying predisposing factors (glycaemic control, discontinuing unnecessary antibiotics/steroids) is essential to prevent recurrence.

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