Candida Krusei Treatment

By Ryan McHargue, eHow Contributor

Candida is a genus of yeasts (a type of fungus) that includes a large number of separate

species, most of which live in animal hosts, including humans. Most are essentially

harmless, but some species can cause candidiasis, or a candida infection. Candida krusei

are responsible for between one and three percent of candidiasis infections, and they also

are used in the production of chocolate.

1. Causes and Symptoms o Candida krusei are common and often reside within a host with little

negative effect because the afflicted person's immune system and other

microorganisms (such as bacteria) with which they share living space keep

them from colonizing and causing infection. Infections generally occur

when a person's immune system is compromised to some degree, causing

the Candida cells to colonize in various areas within the body. They also

can occur when a person is being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics,

killing much of the gut flora that feeds on Candida krusei and other

Candida species. This is why many systemic Candida infections happen in

a hospital setting. Infection location varies widely, and each infection

location can cause separate diseases and complications.

Symptoms of Candida krusei infection are highly varied, depending on the

site of infection and colonization. If in a relatively visible area, such as the

mouth, genitals, ears, skin or scalp, infection presents itself as a white,

fuzzy film, which is in fact a growing fungal colony. The area can itch

greatly, and it spreads slowly.

Generally, Candida krusei are more of a nuisance than a danger, causing

localized infections, most commonly in the skin, mouth and vagina,

leading to yeast infections. Symptoms include itching, burning, irritation

and a cottage cheese-like discharge. The area also may be malodorous.

In patients with a deficiency in their immune system, Candida krusei can

lead to a more systemic illness and is a much more common illness than in

people with a healthy immune system. Gastrointestinal candidiasis can be

present without symptoms, although the afflicted person may have

colonies of Candida krusei growing in the soft, wet tissues of the mouth

and esophagus, which may be accompanied by a burning feeling. Candida

krusei can invade the respiratory tract, which presents as a sore throat or a

hoarse feeling and sometimes can lead to pneumonia.

If Candida infection is systemic, throughout the blood, symptoms include

a long-lasting fever, skin lesions and, sometimes, septic shock, and

sometimes it is associated with infection and colonization in multiple

organs.

2. Treatment and Prognosis o Treatment of candidiasis varies widely based upon the location and

severity of the infection. Skin infections generally are treated with topical

anti-fungal products, such as clotrimazole. Gastrointestinal candidiasis

generally is treated in the same way, as well as with anti-fungal oral

solutions. Systemic candidiasis usually is treated with fluconazole, a

common anti-fungal agent. Typically, organ infections are treated with

fluconazole or other similar azoles. On very rare occasions, surgical

draining of the infected colonization sites is performed, and the colony is

excised before anti-fungal treatment occurs.

Candidiasis is a common infection, especially in people with underlying

immunodeficiency. Treatment is usually very effective, and recovery time

is minimal. In cases in which a severe immunodeficiency is present, c