Candida albicans: what it is, symptoms, treatment and how the infection happens

Candida albicans is a fungus naturally present in the body without causing infection or symptoms. Normally Candida albicans can be found in various parts of the body, being more frequent in the vaginal mucosa of women, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urinary tract.

This fungus lives in balance with its host, that is, with people, however when there is any change in this balance, Candida albicans can proliferate and cause symptoms according to the location where it is found, and there may be the appearance of plaques white in the mouth, throat and tongue, pain and burning when urinating and white and thick discharge, for example.

Symptoms of Candida albicans

Symptoms of Candida albicans infection vary depending on where the fungus developed. In the case of oral candidiasis, white plaques and dots appear in the mouth, cheeks, tongue and throat, and this type of infection is more frequent in newborns whose mother had vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy.

In the case of vaginal candidiasis, symptoms can be uncomfortable due to the burning and itching that is usually associated with this situation. Take the following test to see if there is a possibility of having genital candidiasis:

1. Intense itching in the genital region Yes No
2. Redness and swelling in the genital area Yes No
3. Whitish plaques on the vagina or on the head of the penis Yes No
4. Whitish, lumpy discharge, similar to cut milk Yes No
5. Pain or burning when urinating Yes No
6. Discomfort or pain during intimate contact Yes No

The diagnosis of Candida albicans infection is made, initially, through the evaluation of symptoms, but laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. It is usually recommended to perform a urine test, when Candida urinary infection is suspected, in addition to urine culture, in which the species is identified and the best medicine to treat the infection is seen. Understand how urine culture is made.

In the case of oral candidiasis, for example, it may be necessary to scrape the lesions from the mouth so that they can be analyzed in the laboratory and the infection can be confirmed. Learn how to identify oral candidiasis.

Candida albicans in pregnancy

Candidiasis in pregnancy is common and occurs due to hormonal changes characteristic of that period. During pregnancy, estrogen levels are quite high, which favors the proliferation of Candida albicans , for example.

Candidiasis in pregnancy is not serious and can be easily treated with the use of vaginal ointments or creams that should be recommended by the obstetrician or gynecologist. However, if the woman is still with candidiasis at the time of delivery, it is possible that the baby will become infected, which develops the oral form of the candidiasis. See more about candidiasis in pregnancy.

How the infection happens

Candida albicans infection occurs when there is an imbalance in the body that leads to greater fragility of the immune system. Thus, situations such as stress, use of antibiotics, contraceptives or immunosuppressive drugs, lack of proper hygiene of the mouth or genital region, for example.

In addition, diseases such as influenza, AIDS and diabetes mellitus can also favor the proliferation of Candida species and the appearance of symptoms.

Although Candida albicans is often found in the vaginal mucosa, transmission of this fungus to another person through sexual contact is rare, but it can happen, and the use of condoms in intimate contact is important.

How the treatment is done

Treatment for infection by Candida albicans is done through the use of antifungal drugs in the form of a pill or ointment that must be applied directly to the affected region.

The antifungal recommended by the doctor varies according to the fungus proliferation site, sensitivity profile and symptoms presented, and the use of Imidazole, Nystatin, Amphotericin B, Miconazole, Fluconazole or Itraconazole, for example, may be recommended.