Abstract
An infection caused by the Candida albicans yeast, occasionally by other species of the genus Candida, is referred to as candidiasis (syn.candidosis, moniliasis). It is a fungus that is an indispensable part of the human organism.
In a healthy person, it is in balance and symbiosis with the other microorganisms in the oral and intestinal microflora. When an infection develops, both factors increasing the colonization rate of the mucosa with yeast and those increasing the host’s susceptibility to colonization of the skin and mucosa with yeast are involved.
Superficial mucosal and skin infections are quantitatively clinically most significant, but systemic Candida infections of internal organs in septicaemia, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, and hepatosplenic and renal involvement are more severe and life threatening. Candidiasis is the most frequent mycosis with a number of different clinical presentations of varying severity.
Comprehensive candidiasis treatment involves effective local and systemic azole, triazole and polyene antifungal agents and echinocandins as well as general principles of comprehensive treatment, including interdisciplinary collaboration, targeted therapy of possible concomitant conditions, and reducing longterm use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants according to the patient’s health condition. Effective comprehensive treatment and prevention of the spread of yeast infection also include patient education on side effects of some drugs and on the effects of lifestyle, nutrition, improper clothing, hygiene and sexual risk behaviour on the development of recurrent candidiases