Candida is a classification of microorganisms consisting of over 150 species of yeast. Candida albicans is the most common species that can become pathogenic in people. Causes of Candida infection, or candidiasis, include a compromised immune system, antibiotic and other drug use and poor nutrition. Candidiasis often begins in warm and moist localized areas, such as the mouth, vagina and underarms, but it can spread. "Critical Reviews in Microbiology" notes that among severely immune-deficient people, about 15 percent of candidiasis cases become systemic infections, and over 40 percent of those with systemic candidiasis die from the consequences.
Early Symptoms of Systemic Candidiasis
Before Candida can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, localized infections have to be well established. Vaginal candidiasis is common among women and includes symptoms of itching, burning, inflammation, musty odor and a white, cheese-like discharge. Oral candidiasis, or "thrush," occurs on the tongue and the insides of the cheeks and includes white, cheese-like plaques, bad breath and difficulty swallowing. Skin candidiasis, or "moniliasis," thrives under the arms, between the buttocks and under folds of skin, and causes itchy rashes and a moldy odor. Onychomycosis is a Candida infection of the toenails and fingernails, which leads to thickening, splitting, crumbling and discoloration. Before Candida spreads systemically, immune compromised people will have at least one, if not all of the above mentioned localized infections, according to "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management."
Meningitis from Systemic Candidiasis
Systemic candidiasis spreads through the body via the bloodstream, targeting vital organs such as the brain. DoctorFungus.org notes that Candida can infect both the meninges and the parenchymal brain tissue, and about half of patients dying with systemic candidiasis display central nervous system involvement. Candida meningitis is much more common in babies than adults, and often involves spinal pain, headaches, fever and paralysis. Brain abscesses and infarctions can also be caused by systemic candidiasis.
Endocarditis from Systemic Candidiasis
Candida can also infect the heart. DoctorFungus notes that Candida species can cause endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis of the heart, all of which are severe conditions linked to high levels of mortality. Symptoms of endocarditis include fever, heart murmur, heart palpitations, enlarged spleen and congestive heart failure.
Nephritis from Systemic Candidiasis
The kidneys are also susceptible to Candida infection, as they filter body fluids. As an article on PubMed notes, antibiotic and steroid use can lead to a variety of Candida infections, including tubular and interstitial nephritis, which often lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of nephritis include reduced urine output, cloudy or bloody urine, edema of the hands and feet, flank pain, loin pain and kidney inflammation.
Intestinal Tract Candidiasis
The intestinal tract is another region commonly infected by systemic candidiasis. According to "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management," symptoms of an intestinal Candida infection include abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting and diarrhea with cheese-like, white discharge.
References
- "Critical Reviews in Microbiology"; Candida Infections: An Overview; Frank C. Odds; Jan, 1987
- "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management"; Malcolm Richardson et al; 2003
- DoctorFungus.org: Candida Brain Infections
- DoctorFungus.org: Candida Heart Infections
- PubMed: "Acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis from candida albicans with oliguric renal failure"; Clinical Nephrology; December, 1985
