6% of babies (mouth)[7] 75% of women at some time (vaginal)[8]
Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to any species of the genus Candida (a yeast).[4] When it affects the mouth, in some countries it is commonly called thrush.[3] Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat.[3] Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing.[9] When it affects the vagina, it may be referred to as a yeast infection or thrush.[2][10] Signs and symptoms include genital itching, burning, and sometimes a white "cottage cheese-like" discharge from the vagina.[11] Yeast infections of the penis are less common and typically present with an itchy rash.[11] Very rarely, yeast infections may become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body.[12] This may result in fevers, among other symptoms.[12]
More than 20 types of Candida may cause infection with Candida albicans being the most common.[13] Infections of the mouth are most common among children less than one month old, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.[5] Conditions that result in a weak immune system include HIV/AIDS, the medications used after organ transplantation, diabetes, and the use of corticosteroids.[5] Other risk factors include during breastfeeding, following antibiotic therapy, and the wearing of dentures.[5][14] Vaginal infections occur more commonly during pregnancy, in those with weak immune systems, and following antibiotic therapy.[15] Individuals at risk for invasive candidiasis include low birth weight babies, people recovering from surgery, people admitted to intensive care units, and those with an otherwise compromised immune system.[16]
Efforts to prevent infections of the mouth include the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash in those with poor immune function and washing out the mouth following the use of inhaled steroids.[6] Little evidence supports probiotics for either prevention or treatment, even among those with frequent vaginal infections.[17][18] For infections of the mouth, treatment with topicalclotrimazole or nystatin is usually effective.[6] Oral or intravenous fluconazole, itraconazole, or amphotericin B may be used if these do not work.[6] A number of topical antifungal medications may be used for vaginal infections, including clotrimazole.[19] In those with widespread disease, an echinocandin such as caspofungin or micafungin is used.[20] A number of weeks of intravenous amphotericin B may be used as an alternative.[20] In certain groups at very high risk, antifungal medications may be used preventively,[16][20] and concomitantly with medications known to precipitate infections.
Infections of the mouth occur in about 6% of babies less than a month old.[7] About 20% of those receiving chemotherapy for cancer and 20% of those with AIDS also develop the disease.[7] About three-quarters of women have at least one yeast infection at some time during their lives.[8] Widespread disease is rare except in those who have risk factors.[21]
^Cite error: The named reference Andrews was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ ab"Vaginal Candidiasis". Fungal Diseases. United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 13 November 2019. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 24 Dec 2019.
^ ab"Candidiasis". Fungal Diseases. United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 13 November 2019. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 24 Dec 2019.
^ abcd"Risk & Prevention". United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
^ abc"Oral Candidiasis Statistics". United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
^"Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis". United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
^ ab"Symptoms of Invasive Candidiasis". United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
^"Candidiasis". United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
^Jurden L, Buchanan M, Kelsberg G, Safranek S (June 2012). "Clinical inquiries. Can probiotics safely prevent recurrent vaginitis?". The Journal of Family Practice. 61 (6): 357, 368. PMID22670239.
^Abad CL, Safdar N (June 2009). "The role of lactobacillus probiotics in the treatment or prevention of urogenital infections--a systematic review". Journal of Chemotherapy. 21 (3): 243–52. doi:10.1179/joc.2009.21.3.243. PMID19567343. S2CID32398416.
^"Invasive Candidiasis Statistics". United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.