Candida albicans is a type of fungus that is naturally found in small amounts in the mouth, gut and skin. These fungal cells do not usually cause symptoms, but if they overgrow and spread to other areas, they can cause infections.
Candida albicans overgrowth can cause yeast infections in the genital tract in men and women, or oral thrush in the mouth. The symptoms of these infections will vary depending on the area the Candida albicans overgrows. A yeast infection, for example, may cause white discharge, genital itching and burning when urinating, while oral thrush can cause white patches in the mouth and mouth or tongue burning.
Candida albicans infections can be treated with antifungals, as prescribed by your doctor. They are available in the form of oral solutions, topical ointments or oral medications.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of a Candida albicans infection vary depending on where the fungus is growing, and may include:
- White patches and spots in the mouth, cheeks, tongue and throat, in cases of oral thrush;
- Small white spots in the stool, in cases of intestinal candidiasis;
- Pain, burning, itching, swelling and/or redness in the genital area, in cases of genital yeast infections
Itching and redness can also emerge with yeast infections that develop on the skin. Read more about yeast infections under the breasts and how they can present.
Online symptoms quiz
If you suspect you may have a genital yeast infection, enter your symptoms below:
Please note that this test is only a guidance tool, and does not provide a diagnosis or replace an assessment with your doctor.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of a Candida albicans infection starts with an assessment of your symptoms. The presence of fungus is then confirmed with a lab test, with the test ordered depending on the affected area of the body.
Tests that your doctor may order can include:
- A urine test
- A vaginal or penile swab test
- A skin scraping
- A vaginal or penile swab
- A mouth swab
The specimen collected from these tests are then sent to a lab to detect the presence of Candida albicans. Some of these can undergo a further culture test to determine the antifungal medications that the fungal cells are most sensitive to.
Common causes
Candida albicans infections are more likely to develop if immunity is low and if there is an imbalance in the normal flora levels. Situations like stress, lack of hygiene or the use of medications like antibiotic use, contraceptive and immunosuppressants can lead to fungal infections.
In addition, conditions like the flu, AIDS and diabetes can also promote the growth of Candida sp. fungus, leading to symptoms.
Although yeast infections are not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, wearing a condom can help to reduce the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.
Candida albicans in pregnancy
Candidiasis in pregnancy is common and occurs due to normal hormonal changes that can impact flora balance in the genital tract. During pregnancy, estrogen levels tend to rise, which promotes Candida albicans growth.
Yeast infections in pregnancy are not considered to be serious, as they are easily treated with the use of vaginal ointments or creams, as prescribed by your OBGYN. However, active yeast infections at the time of delivery can be transmitted to the newborn, who may develop oral thrush.
Treatment options
Treatment for Candida albicans infections involves the use of oral tablets, taken as prescribed, or topical ointments applied directly to the affected area.
Also recommended: Candida Diet: Food to Eat & Avoid With a Yeast Infection tuasaude.com/en/candida-dietThe antifungals prescribed by the doctor will vary depending on where the infection has grown and the sensitivity profiled reported in your lab results. Your doctor may consider prescribing Imidazole, Nystatin, Amphotericin B, Miconazole, Fluconazole or Itraconazole.