Candida glabrata treatment in women. Yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Brief description of pathogenic species

One of the most common fungal diseases is candidiasis or thrush. Candida glabrata fungi can cause superficial and deep mycoses. Fungi of this genus affect the mucous membranes of the vagina, intestines, mouth and esophagus. Candida of this species penetrates the internal organs, breaking the protective coverings of the organs and multiplying, and then enters the blood. To avoid serious complications, you should consult a doctor at the first signs of ill health and follow his recommendations exactly.

Pathogen and causes

The causative agent of one type of candidiasis is the yeast fungus Candida glabrata. These are single-celled microorganisms of plant origin. The shape resembles a cylinder with round edges. Most often they affect the internal genital organs, causing urogenital candidiasis, and the oral mucosa. K. glabrata is capable of living on the skin, but grows and develops only under favorable conditions. These factors include:

• weakened immune system;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• allergy;
• chronic dermatitis;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• diabetes;
• pregnancy (when there is a decrease in immunity and unstable hormonal levels are observed);
• microcracks and wounds on the skin.

Symptoms of candidiasis glabrata

Candidiasis caused by K. glabrata has symptoms inherent in thrush caused by other species of Candida. Depending on the location of the fungus, symptoms may vary. Sometimes the disease is asymptomatic, not clearly expressed, or disguised as other diseases. The main signs of the disease are shown in the table.

Danger of complications

Candidiasis caused by fungi K. glabrata is considered complicated. Fungi can penetrate deep into tissues, multiplying intensively and affecting nearby organs. This species is dangerous because it can multiply on the mucous membranes of internal organs (intestines, esophagus, lungs), causing their dysfunction and poisoning with toxins. K. glabrata also penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body, affecting it and causing fungal sepsis. Perforations, ulcers and bleeding may occur on the affected organs.

Everyone knows that thrush is caused by fungi that belong to the Candida family. This group of microorganisms is quite extensive, but 80% of candidiasis is caused by the rapid proliferation of Candida albicans. Following it, in second place is the yeast-like fungus candida glabrata. This microorganism is isolated in approximately 15% of cases of thrush. For some time, fungi were considered completely safe, since they could be found in the urine or on the mucous membranes of a completely healthy person. However, as many people have developed weaker immune systems, Candida glabrata has become recognized as a dangerous pathogen. In some cases, it becomes the culprit of oral candidiasis or causes damage to the esophagus. This fungus is more often found in the elderly, diabetics, patients with cancer or leukemia.

Symptoms of candidiasis caused by the fungus Candida glabrata

Symptoms of candida glabrata are not always easy to detect during the initial examination. Most often, urogenital candidiasis is asymptomatic. In the complicated form of candidiasis, swelling, extensive erythema are observed, and there may be slight discharge. They have a crumbly, rather thick consistency. Due to the lack of symptoms, deaths are often observed among patients with candidemia, especially if the patients have oncology.

Treatment for Candida glabrata fungus

Not all antifungal medications may be effective in treating candida glabrata fungus. This microorganism is resistant to most drugs. Drugs that are active in the fight against fungus such as fluconazole and itraconazole do not affect it, so treatment of candida glabrata begins only after a diagnosis that determines the sensitivity of microorganisms to the drugs. Preference when carrying out therapy against candida glabrata is given to drugs from the group of polyenes and echinocandins. Patients are often prescribed voriconazole, amphotericin B, or caspofungin. The doctor must very accurately determine the dosage of the drug, since the patient’s immunity is usually very weakened.

In the treatment of candida glabrata fungus, the drug lactoferrin in combination with fluconazole is effective. Lactoferrin belongs to the group of probiotics. It promotes the rapid restoration of normal microflora in the body, which leads to a reduction in the amount of Candida glabrata fungus.

In women with diabetes mellitus, vaginal suppositories with boric acid are considered effective in the treatment of candida glabrata. An experiment to test the effectiveness of treatment using suppositories was conducted by Indian scientists. Almost all women with vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. glabrata are cured.

The way the world works is that each of us is surrounded by thousands of microscopic creatures. We cannot see them with the naked eye, but we come into contact with them every minute. Some “invisibles” help us, others kill us, and still others can bring both harm and benefit. Yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida are just such microbes that do not prevent us from living happily, but in certain situations they begin to behave aggressively, causing candidiasis or thrush. Because these microorganisms do not always cause harm, they are called opportunistic. In total, 186 species of mushrooms from the genus Candida have been discovered, but only two dozen species are dangerous. They will be discussed in this article.

Genus of mushrooms Candida: characteristic features

Candida belongs to the genus of yeast. Most of their species are completely harmless, they live in the body of kombucha, kefir, and other fermented milk products, as well as in the human gastrointestinal tract, being part of the microflora of a healthy intestine. Fungi of the genus Candida are aerobes, that is, they lead an active life in the presence of oxygen. They can exist in two forms - yeast and micellar.

Yeast fungi are round or oval blastospores and reproduce by budding. In micellar form they elongate, turning into pseudomycelium. Unlike the real one, there are no partitions, but there are constrictions. They contain blastospores, and the terminal extensions contain double-walled chlamydiospores. In micellar form, mushrooms are able to mate.

Fungi of the genus Candida differ from other dimorphic creatures in that they can be in the body of their host in two of their forms at once, and do not change them depending on the temperature of the environment.

An important property of candida is that they can ferment maltose and glucose.

The disease candidiasis, according to recent research, is caused by approximately 20 species of these fungi, and the most dangerous are C.Albicans (60%) and C.Tropicalis (20%). The remaining 18 species are less widespread and do not have a significant effect on the incidence of candidiasis.

Brief description of pathogenic species

The most widely found fungus is the genus Candida, called C. Albicans. About 8 out of 10 people are their carriers. Basically, these fungi enter the baby’s body at birth and live, without causing any discomfort, in the mouth, esophagus and intestines. In women, they are also part of the vaginal microflora. It is this type of candida that is most often to blame for the occurrence of candidiasis.

The second dangerous species is called C. Tropicalis. These fungi are able to penetrate the blood and, with its help, colonize peripheral organs. Recent studies have revealed the ability of Candida C. Tropicalis to work in tandem with Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli, and lead to Crohn's disease.

Not very common, but considered the most dangerous are yeasts of the genus Candida species C.Krusei. They are resistant to the drug Fluconazole, which is used in the treatment of fungal infections, so it is important to correctly differentiate the type of pathogenic fungus that has affected the patient.

Candida fungi of the species C.Glabrata were considered non-pathogenic. They exist only in yeast form and reproduce only by budding. Most often, Candida Glabrata is found on urinary catheters, where it forms thin biofilms. This fungus causes urogenital candidiasis.

Candida species C. Parapsilosis often causes sepsis. It is capable especially if foreign objects get into them.

Fungal species C.Rugosa and C.Lusitaniae and others from the genus Candida are extremely rare. For example, C. Lusitaniae was detected in only 30 patients between 1979 and 1990.

Routes of infection

When does Candida infection become a disease?

A person can be a carrier of these microbes all his life, while remaining completely healthy. Fungi of the genus Candida become pathogenic only when their reproduction gets out of control. Causes:

Pregnancy;

Various infections;

Exacerbation of chronic diseases;

Hypo- or vitamin deficiency;

Long-term treatment with antibiotics;

Taking corticosteroids;

Hormonal disorders.

The main cause of candidiasis is low immunity. This condition can appear in many situations, including poor nutrition, unfavorable living conditions, and frequent stress.

In addition, the sudden growth of Candida fungi occurs with the following concomitant diseases:

AIDS (or HIV infection);

Diabetes;

Tuberculosis;

Gastrointestinal diseases;

Diseases of the genitourinary system;

Hypothyroidism;

Some blood diseases;

Vaginosis.

Pathogenicity factors

The size of one fungus of the genus Candida is only 2-5 microns, so they can only be seen under a microscope. Those white or yellowish-grayish films that grow on agar or plaque visible on the affected areas of the body are entire colonies of fungi, numbering hundreds of thousands of individual microorganisms. Once in the host’s body, how do fungi of the genus Candida behave? Research by microbiologists has shown that each fungus strives to begin adhesion, that is, to adhere tightly, one might say, to grow into human epithelial cells. The easier it is for microbes to do this, the lower the immunity of their victim, and the higher his endocrine disorders. The most active fungus in terms of adhesion is the species C.Albicans. Once on the mucous membranes, it adheres in 100% of cases. The most passive mushroom of the species C. Krusei. It may not take hold at all, meaning infection does not occur. Surface proteins, surface proteins and some molecules, for example, polysaccharides and glycoproteins, and saliva molecules in the mouth help fungi to penetrate. In general, Candida are glycogenophiles (they love glycogen), so they most often colonize tissues where there is a lot of it, for example, the mucous membranes of the vagina and oral cavity. When thrush occurs, Candida fungi are detected with a high probability in a smear taken from these organs, which makes it possible to make an accurate diagnosis.

At the initial stage of adhesion, fungi are in the yeast form, but quickly rearrange themselves, forming long filaments (hyphae), which more easily penetrate damaged host cells and are less susceptible to phagocytosis of leukocytes.

Candidotoxin (a protein that acts on basophils and mast cells and causes a pseudo-allergic reaction);

6 types of low molecular weight toxins (increase vascular permeability, reduce blood pressure);

Lipid toxins (cause a local leukocyte reaction and lead to the appearance of granulation tissue).

Candidiasis in children

As noted above, infants become infected with candida either in the womb or during childbirth at the time of passage of the birth canal. In the future, the fungus can enter the baby’s mouth with a poorly treated pacifier, rattles, or from the nipples of an infected mother. Symptoms that your baby has contracted thrush are as follows:

A white, cottage cheese-like coating on the tongue, on the inner surface of the gums and cheeks;

Moodiness;

Refusal of food.

Without treatment, the fungus continues to spread and soon appears on the baby’s lips.

Fungi of the genus Candida in the intestinal dysbiosis, such as:

Lethargy;

Temperature;

Weight loss.

Diarrhea in infants is dangerous because it leads to rapid dehydration, so the sick child must be hospitalized. Only in a hospital setting can he be given the necessary treatment (drips) to prevent fluid loss.

In addition to the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity, thrush in babies can appear on the skin. In this case, not white, but red spots appear, similar to diaper rash. The child becomes very capricious, since any touch of erosion causes him suffering. Most often, cutaneous candidiasis in infants appears in the folds of the legs, buttocks and groin area. This is preceded by diaper rash, being in diapers for too long, poor hygiene and inappropriate (synthetic, too tight) clothing.

Treatment of childhood candidiasis

If fungi of the genus Candida have begun a pathogenic process in the child’s oral cavity, treatment is usually carried out locally. It consists of treating areas where white plaque is observed with special preparations. Previously, doctors prescribed lubricating the child’s mouth with brilliant green. This medicine helps well, but dries out the mucous membranes. Nowadays they use Akriderm, Fukortsin, and solutions of borax in glycerin.

For preventative purposes, it is necessary to boil nipples and bottles and wash rattles in the first months of a baby’s life. The mother should treat the nipples with antifungal drugs before feeding.

If there are symptoms of dysbacteriosis, the baby's feces are submitted for bacterial culture. It is believed that fungi of the genus Candida can be present in the stool of children under 12 months of age in quantities of no more than 103 CFU/g, and in children older than 12 months in quantities of 104 CFU/g. If the indicator is exceeded, drugs are prescribed that restore microflora and strengthen the immune system.

For skin candidiasis, the affected areas are lubricated with antifungal ointments - nystatin, levorin. It is very useful to bathe a child with a decoction of string, calendula, and chamomile added to the water. All linen and diapers must be ironed, and diapers must be changed quite often, without waiting for them to be completely filled.

If the above treatment methods do not help, the child is subject to additional examination and prescribed antifungal therapy.

Candidiasis in women and men

In adults, Candida fungi can, like in children, infect the oral cavity, skin, and intestines. Candidiasis in the mouth is manifested by a cheesy coating that covers the tongue, gums, palate, and the inside of the cheeks and is accompanied by painful sensations. Sometimes the mucous membranes become ulcerated. Candidiasis on the skin is characterized by red spots in places where the fungus has invaded (under the armpits, under the breasts in women, in the groin, less often under the knees). These spots itch and peel, and when scratched, they ulcerate.

But most often adults suffer from genitourinary candidiasis. In women, fungi settle in the vagina and vulva, which is why the disease is called vulvovaginitis. In the initial stages, its symptoms are as follows:

White (like sour milk) vaginal discharge;

Itching that does not go away, but, on the contrary, intensifies after washing and in the morning;

Unpleasant smell of underwear;

Pain during sexual intercourse.

The most indicative symptom is Candida fungi in a smear taken from the vagina.

Without treatment, the symptoms of the disease worsen. Pain appears not only during sexual intercourse, but also with every urination, the vaginal mucosa swells, ulcerates, and the discharge becomes thicker.

In men, infection with Candida is called balanoposthitis. Symptoms:

A curd-like discharge from the genitals;

Itching, pain when urinating;

Painful intercourse.

Analysis for fungi of the genus Candida

The presence of candidiasis is determined based on the results of the following studies:

A swab from the mouth or vagina;

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe urine and blood tests.

If you plan to take a smear from the vagina and/or urethra, you are not allowed to wash yourself beforehand, and you can urinate only 2 hours before taking the smear, no later. If you plan to take a swab from your mouth, do not brush your teeth before doing so.

To carry out sowing, feces, sputum, urine, and scrapings from affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes are used. After three days, they receive an answer whether the material contains Candida mushrooms or not. The norm is a negative result. If tests confirm the presence of a fungus, its type and sensitivity to medications are determined.

The ELISA test is called enzyme immunoassay. It helps to identify antibodies to the fungus and track the dynamics of the process. The research material for ELISA is blood from a vein. As a rule, it is carried out in conjunction with bacterial culture.

The most accurate analysis is considered to be PCR, which means a polymer chain reaction of fungal DNA molecules. It detects the presence of a pathogen even at the very initial stage of the disease. The materials for PCR are sputum, secretions, and blood.

Treatment

If Candida fungi are detected in a patient, treatment is carried out with medication. Inside they write:

- Fluconazole.

- “Nizoral.”

- Diflucan.

Ointments used externally:

- “Clotrimazole.”

- “Sertocanazole”.

- Miconazole.

Suppositories with pumaficin and other agents that suppress the growth of fungus. Anti-inflammatory ointments may also be prescribed.

Treatment of pregnant women is carried out only with external means. Only in isolated cases is Pumaficin prescribed orally.

For genitourinary candidiasis, both sexual partners are treated.

In addition, vitamins and other agents that strengthen the immune system are prescribed.

Greetings, dear readers. In another informative article on dental topics, I would like to raise such a topic as the treatment of oral candidiasis. But first, let’s figure out what it is, for what reason it appears, what symptoms it manifests itself. We will separately analyze cases in children and adults.

Let's start with the pathogen. It is the common Candida that gives this disease its name. Now it is difficult to find a person whose body does not have this living creature or did not have it before.

Types of fungi that cause candidiasis

• Candida Tropicalis;
• Candida Parapsilosia;
• Candida Glabrata.

The most common fungus in the oral mucosa is Candida albicans. It is found in 6 out of 10 physically healthy people. Glabrata takes second place. It is usually found in older and older people. Interestingly, people suffering from diabetes mellitus and immunodeficiency (including HIV) are characterized by rarer representatives of Candida - rugosa and sake.

Albicans are a form of fungal life that can adapt to any environment. No matter how the acidity, oxygen content, various enzymes, temperature and humidity change, the colony of mushrooms will survive. This candida can change from fungal to mold and back. So it can be called a real all-rounder. Moreover, survivability reaches the point that agents are developed that help resist the human immune system and even the action of antifungal drugs.

To find out what exactly doctors are dealing with, it is important to take samples to determine which of the known microorganisms led to the onset of the disease.

If you conduct an analysis and find out what types of candida are present, you can select a set of drugs to which the fungus is most sensitive, changing them during the course of therapy. Such tests are carried out on an empty stomach, before rinsing. A scraping from the surface of the tongue is examined under a microscope.

Causes of the disease

The question arises - if 60% of the healthy population have candida and these people do not get sick, then what is wrong with the remaining 40%? In most cases, adults who become ill have clear underlying conditions. The main one is weakened immunity. After suffering from infectious diseases, when the body is weakened, it is at risk.

Young children, adolescents and the elderly are most susceptible to the disease.

Babies get the fungus from their mother. It also often begins to develop during pregnancy, since at this moment the immunity in the mouth weakens. When permanent teeth are cut, the situation is similar.

Video - Causes of thrush and symptoms of candidiasis

Forms of candidiasis

There are several main forms of this disease:

• acute pseudomembranous;
• chronic pseudomembranous;
• acute atrophic;
• chronic atrophic;
• chronic hyperplastic;
• chronic granulomatous;
• erosive-ulcerative;
• candidiasis of the corners of the mouth (seeds);
• candida cheilitis;
• superficial candidiasis (in HIV-infected patients).

In most cases, children are diagnosed with acute pseudomembranous candidiasis (thrush).

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can vary significantly among different forms of the disease.

A more detailed description of some types of candidiasis:

Photo	Type of candidiasis	Description
	Pseudomembranous acute candidiasis	This type is also called thrush. This form of the disease often occurs in children. Most of the organs in the mouth are affected. The oral cavity is covered with a cheesy white coating. In the first stage, it is easiest to remove, and only as the disease progresses, the white coating becomes denser and will be more difficult to remove.
	Type of acute atrophic candidiasis	Severe burning sensation accompanied by dry mouth - acute atrophic candidiasis. Fungal infection of the back of the tongue gives it a bright crimson color. In this case, the white coating is not noticeable and it will be located deep in the folds and is difficult to remove
	Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis	With this form of the disease, plaque firmly adheres to the oral cavity on the back of the tongue and palate. With this disease, the recovery process is delayed for a long time. If you remove the white coating, then you can see the mucous membrane with erosions, which will begin to bleed
	Chronic atrophic candidiasis	This form of candidiasis occurs in people who use removable dentures. This causes dry mouth, burning and pain when wearing dentures. Erosion and papillomatosis appear under the prosthesis

How to identify oral thrush - step-by-step instructions

Step one. The disease can be detected at an early stage of development. Look for white and red lesions on the oral mucosa. They may hurt when touched.

Step two. Check to see if the corners of your mouth are dry or cracking. This is also one of the common manifestations.

Step three. See if the pain increases during meals.

Step four. Pay attention to the nature of the pain. They often cause a burning and itching sensation, but if you scratch the lesion, you will scratch its surface. The pain will not increase because of this, but there will be no relief either.

Step five. If candidiasis spreads throughout your mouth, you will have difficulty swallowing (even water), as if something is stuck in your throat.

Step six. With a weakened immune system, the fungus can spread throughout the body, leading to an increase in body temperature.

How to find out what caused the disease - step-by-step instructions

Step one. Candida fungus is always present in the mouth, but in small quantities, which are regulated by beneficial microorganisms. When there is an imbalance, yeast cells enlarge and multiply.

Step two. Your toothbrush can help prevent this. Brush your teeth 2-3 times daily, and it is also advisable to use floss. Good hygiene will help prevent the development of the disease or even fight it.

Step three. The development of candidiasis is also facilitated by taking a large number of antibiotic drugs (the latter, as is known, kill not only harmful bacteria, but also beneficial ones, which can upset the balance).

Step four. In most cases, thrush occurs in certain categories of the population. In young children, for example, this occurs due to an immature immune system, and in older people due to weakened immunity. Also at risk are pregnant women, because their immune system is somewhat suppressed.

Important! Alcoholic drinks also suppress the immune system, which is why alcohol lovers are more susceptible to oral candidiasis.

Video - Treatment of candidiasis with folk remedies and methods

Diet for oral candidiasis

If a patient is diagnosed with oral cavity, proper nutrition is extremely important.

Candida thrives in the body of people who abuse soft carbohydrate foods and sugars. If your diet contains a lot of sweets (especially typical for children), the fungus receives food for mass reproduction.

Therefore, in order to successfully carry out treatment, it is important to exclude sweets (including honey), buns, cakes, and cookies. We exclude from food mushrooms, sour cream, any cheeses, dried fruits, everything related to yeast, fermentation, including wine and beer. Only apple cider vinegar can be used. Soy sauce and black tea are prohibited. In the first weeks of treatment, you should not eat melons, grapes and apples (fructose is a good food for fungus). Of the dairy products, only live yogurt is acceptable. Other types are also “food” for candida due to their lactose content.

What you can eat:

• oatmeal on water. You can add cinnamon, fresh cashew nuts;
• seeds (sesame, flax, oats, pumpkin, sunflower seeds) and nuts;
• heat-treated eggs;
• acidophilus;
• savory pancakes made from oatmeal and rice flour;
• vegetable stew. Optimally – onions/leeks, garlic, asparagus;
• brown rice, lentils;
• olive oil. Oleic acid has antifungal properties.

It is important to have prebiotics and probiotics in your food. The former feed on beneficial bacteria, which are our allies in the fight against bacteria. The second are, in fact, the bacteria themselves, which are part of “live” kefir and yoghurt. They help normalize the flora in the intestines and oral cavity.

Prebiotics are found in Jerusalem artichoke, garlic and onions, asparagus and even regular bananas.

Treatment

After reading all these horrors, you, of course, want to know how to treat such an unpleasant disease as oral candidiasis. Modern medicine, which is aware of the ability of the fungus to adapt to the drugs used, offers an integrated approach.

1. Increasing the overall immune defense of the body and oral immunity in particular.
2. The use of antifungal agents (antimycotics), such as levorin, amphotericin, clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin.

Very often, tablets do not give the required effect where, first of all, local action is required. In such cases, suspensions are prepared from tablets for oral baths, compresses, and irrigations. If we talk about the most successful tablet forms, then Diflucan is in the lead. A ten-day course of the drug, 4-6 tablets per day, gives good results.

Various types of antiseptics with antifungal properties are also used. These include such available drugs as Lugol's solution.

There are also sweets with dekamin. They are placed behind the cheek and try not to swallow saliva for as long as possible in order to enhance the therapeutic effect.

One of the most popular remedies for oral candidiasis is the drug Fluconazole. It shows high efficiency in the fight against fungus. But you should not abuse this drug. It causes liver problems in some patients. It is important to see a doctor while using this and similar medications.

Another important question in the treatment process is how to rinse your mouth for oral candidiasis? For this the following can be used:

• suspensions of nystatin, levorin;
• iodine water (10 drops of iodine per glass of water);
• a weak solution of potassium permanganate (helps against relapses).

Upon completion of antifungal treatment, the oral cavity should be sanitized. If the patient is treated for any diseases with antibiotics, then to protect against candidiasis, alkaline rinses, vitamins B, C, as well as levorin and nystatin are prescribed.

It is recommended to use milk thistle and thistle for hepatoprotective effects. For oral hygiene, boroglycerin toothpastes are used. If a person wears removable dentures, they also need to be regularly treated with antifungal agents.

If you notice symptoms of candidiasis, contact your dentist immediately. Because in chronic forms, the fungus can spread to internal organs.

Stay healthy and don't forget to visit the dentist's office regularly!

Video - Treatment of candidiasis

Intestinal candidiasis is a fungal disease of the mucous membrane. The causative agent of the disease is considered to be the yeast fungus Candida. When the intestinal microflora is disturbed, dysbiosis develops in the body. During this period, there is a disruption in the normal functioning of beneficial microorganisms, and Candida begins to actively develop and candidiasis is formed. This disease is often diagnosed among children and poses a great danger to their lives.

What is intestinal candidiasis?

Intestinal candidiasis is damage to the digestive tract by an infection caused by candidal fungi as a result of a significant weakening of the immune system. The disease can occur with diarrhea and unbearable pain in the intestinal area and is difficult to diagnose.

The following stages of infection with candida fungi are distinguished:

• intestinal dysbiosis with excessive fungal growth;
• candidiasis, observed in a large number of people;
• candidal colitis.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The following factors can provoke the formation of intestinal candidiasis:

1. Digestive disorders and obesity.
2. Taking antibiotics, which provoked an imbalance of intestinal microflora.
3. Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
4. The presence of infectious diseases in a chronic form.
5. Taking glucocorticosteroids
6. Transplantation of internal organs.
7. Hepatitis, anemia, liver cirrhosis.
8. Irrational and unbalanced nutrition.
9. Various immunodeficiency states.

In addition, the development of this disease can be caused by autoimmune or allergic pathologies, regular stress, age-related changes, and pregnancy.

Intestinal candidiasis will not bother you as long as the internal microflora is able to resist infection. The causative agents of the disease are Candida fungal microorganisms of various types.

Types of fungi

The Candida genus of mushrooms has many varieties. Let's look at the most common of them.

Candida Cruzei

This type of microorganism usually affects the esophagus, tongue, throat, and oral cavity. Less common in the genital area. It is considered a fairly contagious disease. It is difficult to treat because there are few medications available that are effective against this type of fungus. Not often diagnosed.

Candida Glabrata

This type of fungus provokes the development of urogenital candidiasis. The disease can be virtually asymptomatic. If severe, the disease can be fatal for the patient. People with very weakened immune systems and cancer are at risk.

Candida parapsilosis

It is the causative agent of endocarditis and a very aggressive infection. It is resistant to treatment and can provoke the development of thrush. If this type of fungus is diagnosed in a woman during this period, it is recommended to postpone pregnancy.

Candida albicans

It is considered the most common. A large number of people are carriers of these bacteria. Very often, the disease manifests itself with reduced immunity, after antibiotic therapy, or during pregnancy. The fungus causes damage to the skin and intestinal mucosa.

In addition, the following types of fungal microorganisms are found:

• Robusta. Not often diagnosed, affects the skin;
• Tropicalis. Occurs rarely and mainly in animals;
• Stellatoidea. Diagnosed very rarely.

As stated earlier, fungal microorganisms of the genus Candida live in every human body. Their numbers are insignificant and are controlled by beneficial microflora (bifidobacteria, E. coli, lactobacilli, enterococci). When immunity decreases, active reproduction of Candida begins and the fungus occupies different parts of the intestine.

Classification of the disease

Intestinal candidiasis is classified into the following types:

1. Non-invasive candidiasis. Characterized by the growth of Candida fungi in the intestinal lumen.
2. Invasive candidiasis. It is distinguished by the penetration of the fungus into the intestinal walls. Candida enters the human body through the digestive system.

Invasive candidiasis is divided into the following types:

• diffuse;
• focal.

Most often, the invasive type of the disease is complicated by pathologies of internal organs. This happens as a result of fungi entering the blood and their further movement through the bloodstream.

Symptoms of intestinal candidiasis

Candida fungus in the intestines manifests itself in various symptoms.

Signs of non-invasive candidiasis

This form of the disease develops when the fungus actively multiplies in the intestinal lumen without penetrating into the tissue. In this case, the patient experiences digestive disorders.

Signs of non-invasive intestinal candidiasis:

• disturbance of well-being;
• discomfort in the abdomen;
• diarrhea;
• itching in the anus.

In addition, patients may experience bloating, a feeling of heaviness, fatigue, and problems with appetite.

This type of candidiasis is considered the most common.

Symptoms of invasive candidiasis

This type of disease is considered a rare form, but with a more severe course.

The main symptoms of intestinal candidiasis in men and women are:

• painful sensations in the abdomen;
• thrush;
• diarrhea with blood.

In addition, the patient may suffer from flatulence.

If not treated in a timely manner, the disease can affect the mucous membranes, as well as other internal organs.

In the case of the development of a focal form, the patient experiences the following concomitant pathologies:

• colitis;
• proctitis;
• duodenal ulcer.

This form of the disease also occurs with anal itching and a fraudulent urge to defecate, causing pain.

Signs of intestinal candidiasis are similar to the manifestations of many diseases. If any manifestations of the disease are detected, the patient should immediately consult a doctor to undergo an examination and begin treatment in a timely manner.

Diagnostic measures

To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor usually prescribes a biopsy. The resulting material is examined histologically and microscopically.

The doctor may also prescribe:

• endoscopic examination to identify the erosive form of the disease;
• X-ray of the intestines.

A mandatory diagnostic method is stool analysis for the presence of bacteria.

Treatment methods

If colon candidiasis is detected, the doctor individually selects a treatment method.

Treatment of intestinal candidiasis is a long and difficult process. Complex therapy, including drug treatment, diet therapy and traditional medicine methods, allows you to recover from the disease.

Treatment of the disease can be divided into the following stages:

1. Treatment of pathologies associated with candidiasis.
2. Antibiotic therapy.
3. Restoration of natural intestinal microflora.

To cure illness in childhood, antibacterial drugs in tablets or suspensions are used. Local antiseptic medications are also used in combination. In addition, it is recommended to take Bifidumbacterin. This medication contains bacteria that are needed to quickly restore the child’s intestinal microflora.

Drug therapy

It is very difficult to cure intestinal candidiasis with antifungal medications, since in most cases the active substances of the drugs are adsorbed at the beginning of the intestine and do not reach the desired target where the fungus is localized. For this reason, a highly qualified approach is required when choosing medications.

Most often, the following drugs are used to cure intestinal candidiasis:

1. Pimafucin. It is considered a very common medicine. Available in tablet form. The tablets are coated on top with an enteric coating. Thanks to this, the medicine reaches the location of the fungus. Dosage for adults: 1 tablet 4 times a day, for children: 1 tablet 2 times a day.
2. Fluconazole. The medicine is available in capsules and is considered an effective remedy for curing intestinal candidiasis. The dosage is determined by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s age, the severity of the disease and other factors.
3. McMiror. This broad-spectrum antifungal agent effectively fights Candida. The dosage regimen is prescribed by the doctor, individually for each patient.

In addition, for the effective treatment of fungal infections of the lower intestine, rectal suppositories are prescribed: Natamycin or Nystatin. The drug is administered after bowel movement according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor. The average duration of treatment is 1.5-2 weeks.

For additional maintenance therapy, probiotics that are resistant to prescribed antifungals are often prescribed. These medications help normalize digestive processes and increase the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora.

Diet

For the effectiveness of drug treatment, patients are recommended to adhere to an appropriate diet:

1. Candida fungi can feed on certain foods eaten by the patient: baked goods, marinades, sweets, syrups, fruits, sauces, beer, kvass, wine, fresh unpasteurized milk. For this reason, the use of the above products for this disease is prohibited. It is recommended to completely exclude bread from the menu.
2. It is necessary to exclude from the diet pasta, starchy foods, smoked meats, sausages, packaged juices, blue cheeses, and carbonated drinks.

You need to add natural products to the menu, garlic, herbs, onions, lean fish and meat, eggs.

Traditional methods of treatment

For additional therapy, traditional medicine methods are used.

It is effective to use decoctions from the following plants:

• St. John's wort;
• black currant leaves;
• chamomile;
• burnet roots.

In addition, drinking oatmeal jelly for a month is effective.

The following also receive positive reviews:

1. Grapefruit seed extract. The active components it contains (quercetin, narginine, hesperidin, etc.) have an antifungal effect.
2. Bearberry infusion. Used as a disinfectant.

The use of traditional methods of treatment should be discussed with your doctor in advance.

Consequences and complications of the disease

If the disease is not ignored, intestinal candidiasis becomes a chronic pathology. The latter is dangerous due to its consequences, for example, the development of food intolerance.

In the absence of treatment, intestinal candidiasis in advanced forms can provoke the development of subsequent complications:

1. Ulcerative processes.
2. Perforation of intestinal tissue.
3. Sepsis.

If the disease is not treated, the fungus penetrates deeper into the intestinal tissue, disrupts its integrity and causes heavy bleeding.
If the disease is not treated correctly during pregnancy, infection of the fetus can occur.

Intestinal candidiasis is very dangerous for children, since incessant diarrhea causes dehydration, deficiency of vitamins and beneficial microelements. As a result, the child is delayed in growth or development. There is also a risk of developing pneumonia or candidal enteritis.

Intestinal candidiasis is considered one of the most common fungal diseases. Depending on the stage of the course, timeliness of diagnosis and prescribed treatment, the prognosis for this pathology is usually favorable.