Question
Mucocutaneous candidiasis
Q7 2 marks Short 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.
1 General Mycology
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