What are the symptoms of Candida glabrata infections? How are they diagnosed and treated? Get the facts about this common fungal infection.

Understanding Candida Glabrata Infections

Candida glabrata is a type of yeast that can cause various types of fungal infections in the body. Unlike the more common Candida albicans, Candida glabrata is known for its increased resistance to certain antifungal medications, making it a more challenging infection to treat. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies for Candida glabrata infections.

Types of Candida Glabrata Infections

Candida glabrata can cause a range of fungal infections, including:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Candida glabrata can infect the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra, as well as the kidneys.
• Genital Infections: Candida glabrata can cause infections in the vagina and penis, often leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
• Invasive Candidiasis: In some cases, Candida glabrata can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, causing a serious condition called invasive candidiasis.

Symptoms of Candida Glabrata Infections

The symptoms of Candida glabrata infections can vary depending on the location of the infection. Common symptoms may include:

• Urinary Tract Infections: Burning sensation during urination, increased urination, pelvic/abdominal pain, and blood in the urine.
• Genital Infections: Burning sensation during sex, burning sensation during urination, rash or redness around the genital area, and abnormal vaginal discharge or penis discomfort.
• Invasive Candidiasis: Fever, chills, nausea, and if the infection spreads to the brain, symptoms like headache, confusion, and seizures.

Causes and Risk Factors of Candida Glabrata Infections

Candida glabrata is a naturally occurring yeast that can be found in small amounts on the skin, in the mouth, and in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it can become problematic in certain situations:

• Weakened Immune System: People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer treatments, or organ transplants, are at higher risk of developing Candida glabrata infections.
• Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, allowing Candida glabrata to overgrow and cause an infection.
• Diabetes: Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes have a greater susceptibility to Candida glabrata infections.
• Recent Hospitalization: Candida glabrata infections are more common in hospital settings, where exposure to the yeast is higher.

Diagnosing Candida Glabrata Infections

Diagnosing a Candida glabrata infection typically involves a combination of the following:

• Physical Examination: Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to look for signs of a fungal infection.
• Laboratory Tests: Samples from the affected area (such as urine, genital swabs, or blood) will be collected and tested to identify the specific Candida species.
• Imaging Tests: In cases of invasive candidiasis, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may be used to look for signs of organ involvement.

Treatment Options for Candida Glabrata Infections

The treatment for Candida glabrata infections depends on the type and severity of the infection:

• Urinary Tract Infections: Antifungal medications like fluconazole, amphotericin B, or flucytosine are typically prescribed.
• Genital Infections: Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams, powders, or oral medications can be effective.
• Invasive Candidiasis: Intravenous antifungal medications, such as echinocandins or amphotericin B, are often necessary to treat the systemic infection.

It’s important to follow the prescribed treatment regimen and complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is effectively cleared.

Preventing Candida Glabrata Infections

While it’s not always possible to prevent Candida glabrata infections, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain Good Hygiene: Practice good personal hygiene, including washing the genital area regularly.
• Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: Only take antibiotics when absolutely necessary, as they can disrupt the body’s natural balance of bacteria.
• Manage Underlying Health Conditions: If you have a weakened immune system or a condition like diabetes, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage it effectively.
• Practice Safe Sex: Use protection during sexual activity to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting a Candida glabrata infection.

Remember, if you suspect you may have a Candida glabrata infection, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right care, these infections can be effectively managed and resolved.

Candida glabrata Infections, Symptoms, Treatment & Who Is at Risk

Candida is a genus of yeasts that live naturally in and on the body. It’s typically found in small amounts in the mouth and intestines and on the skin.

Normally, Candida doesn’t cause any issues, but in some cases it can lead to infection.

Read on to learn more about the different types of Candida fungal infections, often simply called a yeast infection, especially ones caused by Candida glabrata.

Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) can be found as a part of your natural microflora. It may be present in the GI tract, the mouth, and the genital area.

Candida glabrata is typically well-controlled, or harmless, in healthy people. But it can become a problem in people with a suppressed immune system. For example, this includes people who are living with HIV, people who are receiving cancer treatments, and people who have received an organ transplant.

Candida glabrata also has a high resistance to some antifungal medications, which can make it hard to treat.

Candida fungal infections

Candida glabrata may be the second or third most common Candida strain with its prevalence growing since the 1990s. Candida albicans is considered the most common cause of yeast infections.

Important fungal infection terms

Candidiasis is the term for an infection from Candida yeast.

Invasive candidiasis is an infection inside your body. It can impact internal organs or other parts of your body.

Fungemia is the presence of yeast or fungus in the bloodstream. The most common type of this infection is Candidemia, when Candida yeast is in the bloodstream. This is the most common type of invasive candidiasis, according to the CDC. Candidemia is one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections for people who are in the hospital.

Acute hematogenous candidiasis is a Candida infection that spreads through your bloodstream to other organs of your body. For example, spread of Candida through your bloodstream and into your brain can lead to meningitis.

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Next we’ll look at causes, symptoms, and treatment of the most common types of Candida infection. While Candida albicans is most often involved, it’s possible for Candida glabrata to cause these types of infections since it can be found in similar areas of the body.

Candida glabrata infections are most likely to affect:

• the urinary tract, which runs from the urethra to the bladder and the kidneys
• the genitals
• the mouth
• the bloodstream, in the case of specific at-risk groups

Fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs) are most commonly caused by species of Candida yeast. Fungal UTIs can affect the lower part of the urinary tract, including the bladder. It can even affect the kidneys.

Fungal UTI symptoms

If you have a fungal UTI, you may not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:

• a burning or painful sensation when urinating
• an increased need to urinate
• blood in the urine
• pelvic or abdominal pain

Fungal UTI treatment

Treatment is only recommended for people who are showing symptoms. It typically consists of prescription antifungal drugs. In many cases, the antifungal medication fluconazole is the first treatment.

For Candida glabrata and other species that may be resistant to fluconazole, the drugs amphotericin B and flucytosine might be used.

Candida species can cause infections of the vagina and the penis. Candida glabrata often causes more complicated infections that can be difficult to treat.

Normally, the amount of Candida in the genital area is balanced out by the bacteria Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus is also naturally occurring in this part of the body. When Lactobacillus levels are changed or lowered in some way, Candida can overgrow, causing an infection.

You can also develop a Candida genital infection after certain sexual activities, especially those involving oral-genital contact.

Fungal genital infection symptoms

Symptoms of a genital fungal infection can include:

• a burning sensation during sex
• a burning sensation while urinating
• a rash around the vagina
• a white, cheesy substance underneath skinfolds on the penis
• abnormal vaginal discharge that can be either watery or thick and white
• an itchy or painful feeling in or outside the vagina or on the penis
• rash, redness, or swelling around the vagina

However, in some cases Candida infections on the penis may cause no symptoms at all.

Fungal genital infection treatments

Using an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal medication can effectively treat mild or moderate genital fungal infections.

OTC antifungals most often come in these forms:

• cream
• powder
• pill
• suppository

Oral antifungal medications are also available by prescription.

A doctor might prescribe a longer course of medication for more complicated infections. This could be in the form of a cream, pill, or ointment.

Despite being a normal part of the microflora of your mouth, Candida can­­ cause infections if it overgrows.

The infection may not be limited to just your mouth. Oral thrush can spread to your tonsils and the back of your throat. Severe infections may spread to the esophagus.

Common symptoms of oral thrush can include:

• a burning or painful sensation in the mouth
• a cotton-like feeling inside of the mouth
• difficulty swallowing or eating
• loss of taste
• redness at the corners of the mouth or inside the mouth
• creamy white spots in the mouth or on the tongue that might bleed when touched

Untreated oral thrush can lead to a systemic fungal infection, especially in people with a weakened immune system.

Oral thrush is treated with an antifungal medication that can come in the form of a pill, liquid, or lozenge. Examples of drugs that are used include nystatin or clotrimazole. An oral course of fluconazole can be given for some cases.

Although healthy people can get yeast infections, the following groups are at an increased risk for developing a Candida glabrata infection:

• people taking or who have recently taken antibiotics
• people with diabetes who have blood sugar levels that are not well-controlled
• people who have had a medical device, like a catheter, inserted
• people who wear dentures
• people with a weakened immune system, such as people living with HIV or people who are receiving treatment for cancer

The incidence of Candida glabrata infections has been increasing over the years.

Interestingly, Candida glabrata is more closely genetically related to baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) than it is to Candida albicans or Candida parapsilosis. Most yeast species that are closely related to Candida glabrata aren’t associated with humans, but are instead found in plants and soil.

Candida glabrata vs. Candida albicans

Candida glabrata differs from Candida albicans in many ways, including:

• having a higher resistance to some antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole
• an inability to form hyphae, a long branching structure produced by many fungi
• an ability to grow and divide after being eaten by immune cells called macrophages
• having many genes that don’t have a corresponding equivalent in Candida albicans

Candida glabrata infections are often acquired in hospitals, particularly in people who are being treated with fluconazole, which it can be more resistant to.

Candida glabrata can be involved in the same types of fungal infections as the most common Candida species. While the incidence of Candida glabrata infections has increased over the years, people with healthy immune systems are the least likely to experience this infection.

Practicing good hygiene may make the biggest difference in prevention.

Everything You Need to Know

Added sugar may be the singlemost unhealthy ingredient in the modern diet.

For this reason, sugar-free sweeteners like xylitol are becoming popular.

Xylitol looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.

Several studies suggest that it has various important benefits, including improved dental health.

This article examines xylitol and its health effects.

Xylitol is categorized as a sugar alcohol.

Chemically, sugar alcohols combine traits of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules. Their structure allows them to stimulate the taste receptors for sweetness on your tongue.

Xylitol is found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables and is therefore considered natural. Humans even produce small quantities of it via normal metabolism.

It is a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, mints, diabetes-friendly foods and oral-care products.

Xylitol has a similar sweetness as regular sugar but contains 40% fewer calories:

• Table sugar: 4 calories per gram
• Xylitol: 2.4 calories per gram

Store-bought xylitol appears as a white, crystalline powder.

Since xylitol is a refined sweetener, it doesn’t contain any vitamins, minerals or protein. In that sense, it provides only empty calories.

Xylitol can be processed from trees like birch or from a plant fiber called xylan (1).

Even though sugar alcohols are technically carbohydrates, most of them do not raise blood sugar levels and thereby don’t count as net carbs, making them popular sweeteners in low-carb products (2).

Though the word “alcohol” is part of its name, it’s not the same alcohol that makes you drunk. Sugar alcohols are safe for people with alcohol addictions.

Summary

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants. Though it looks and tastes like sugar, it has 40% fewer calories.

One of the negative effects of added sugar — and high-fructose corn syrup — is that it can spike blood sugar and insulin levels.

Due to its high levels of fructose, it can also lead to insulin resistance and multiple metabolic problems when consumed in excess (3, 4).

However, xylitol contains zero fructose and has negligible effects on blood sugar and insulin (2, 5).

Therefore, none of the harmful effects of sugar apply to xylitol.

Xylitol’s glycemic index (GI) — a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar — is only 7, whereas regular sugar’s is 60–70 (6).

It can also be considered a weight-loss-friendly sweetener since it contains 40% fewer calories than sugar.

For people with diabetes, prediabetes, obesity or other metabolic problems, xylitol is an excellent alternative to sugar.

While corresponding human studies are currently unavailable, rat studies show that xylitol can improve symptoms of diabetes, reduce belly fat and even prevent weight gain on a fattening diet (7, 8, 9).

Summary

Unlike sugar, xylitol has negligible effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. Animal studies indicate impressive benefits for metabolic health.

Many dentists recommend using xylitol-sweetened chewing gum — and for good reason.

Studies have determined that xylitol boosts dental health and helps prevent tooth decay (10).

One of the leading risk factors for tooth decay is an oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. This is the bacteria most responsible for plaque.

Although some plaque on your teeth is normal, excess plaque encourages your immune system to attack the bacteria in it. This can lead to inflammatory gum diseases like gingivitis.

These oral bacteria feed on glucose from food, but they can not use xylitol. As such, replacing sugar with xylitol reduces the available fuel for the harmful bacteria (11).

While these bacteria cannot use xylitol for fuel, they still ingest it. After absorbing xylitol, they are unable to take up glucose — meaning that their energy-producing pathway is clogged and they end up dying.

In other words, when you chew gum with xylitol or use it as a sweetener, the harmful bacteria in your mouth starve to death (12).

In one study, xylitol-sweetened chewing gum reduced levels of bad bacteria by 27–75%, while friendly bacteria levels remained constant (13).

Animal studies also suggest that xylitol may increase absorption of calcium in your digestive system, protecting against osteoporosis and strengthening your teeth (14, 15).

Human studies demonstrate that xylitol — either by replacing sugar or adding it into your diet — can reduce cavities and tooth decay by 30–85% (16, 17, 18).

Because inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, reducing plaque and gum inflammation could have benefits for the rest of your body as well.

Summary

Xylitol can starve the harmful bacteria in your mouth, reducing plaque buildup and tooth decay. This can help prevent dental cavities and inflammatory gum diseases.

Your mouth, nose and ears are all interconnected.

Therefore, bacteria that live in the mouth can end up causing ear infections — a common problem in children.

It turns out that xylitol can starve some of these bacteria in the same way that it starves plaque-producing bacteria (19).

One study in children with recurring ear infections observed that daily usage of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum reduced their infection rate by 40% (20).

Xylitol also fights the yeast Candida albicans, which can lead to candida infections. Xylitol reduces the yeast’s ability to stick to surfaces, thereby helping prevent infection (21).

Summary

Xylitol-sweetened gum can reduce ear infections in children and combat candida yeast infections.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, found in large amounts in skin and connective tissues.

Some studies in rats link xylitol to increased production of collagen, which may help counteract the effects of aging on your skin (22, 23).

Xylitol may also be protective against osteoporosis, as it leads to increased bone volume and bone mineral content in rats (14, 24).

Keep in mind that studies in people are needed to confirm these benefits.

Xylitol also feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut, acting as a soluble fiber and improving your digestive health (25).

Summary

Xylitol may increase collagen production and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. It also feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut.

In humans, xylitol is absorbed slowly and has no measurable effect on insulin production.

However, the same cannot be said for dogs.

When dogs eat xylitol, their bodies mistake it for glucose and start producing large amounts of insulin.

Then the dog’s cells start absorbing glucose from the bloodstream, which can lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and even death (26).

Xylitol may also have detrimental effects on liver function in dogs, with high doses causing liver failure (27).

It only takes 0.1 grams per kg of body weight for a dog to be affected, so a 6–7-pound (3-kg) chihuahua will get sick from eating just 0.3 grams of xylitol. That’s less than the amount contained in a single piece of chewing gum.

If you own a dog, keep xylitol safely contained or out of your house altogether. If you believe your dog accidentally ate xylitol, take it to your vet immediately.

Summary

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure.

Xylitol is generally well tolerated, but some people experience digestive side effects when they consume too much.

The sugar alcohols can pull water into your intestine or get fermented by gut bacteria (28).

This can lead to gas, bloating and diarrhea. However, your body seems to adjust very well to xylitol.

If you increase intake slowly and give your body time to adjust, you likely won’t experience any negative effects.

Long-term consumption of xylitol does appear to be completely safe.

In one study, people consumed an average of 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) of xylitol per month — with a maximum daily intake of over 30 tablespoons (400 grams) — without any negative effects (29).

People use sugar alcohols to sweeten coffees, teas and various recipes. You can replace sugar with xylitol in a 1:1 ratio.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or an intolerance to FODMAPs, be careful with sugar alcohols and consider avoiding them altogether.

Summary

Xylitol may cause digestive upset in some people, but high doses are well tolerated by others.

As a sweetener, xylitol is an excellent choice.

Whereas some sweeteners may cause health risks, studies show that xylitol has actual health benefits.

It doesn’t spike blood sugar or insulin, starves the plaque-producing bacteria in your mouth and feeds friendly microbes in your digestive system.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular sugar, give xylitol a try.

Candidiasis: causes, symptoms and recommendations for the treatment of the disease. Dr. Peter

Causes of candidiasis

Candida is a yeast-like fungus found in small amounts in the normal human microflora. Candida albicans is the most frequently detected, however, other species are also found – the so-called “Candida non-aibicans”: Candida glabrata, crusei, tropicalis and others. The normoflora of the body (microbiome), normally represented by a sufficient number of lacto- and bifidobacteria, as well as immune defense factors (phagocytes, macrophages and other cells) control the balance of Candida, providing colonization resistance of the mucous membranes. When the body’s defenses are violated for one reason or another, Candida fungi become active and an infection develops – candidiasis.

There are three types of infections caused by fungi of the genus Candida:

• Superficial candidiasis – it includes damage to the nails, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, intestines, vagina, damage to the genital organs in men. This is the most common and relatively milder form. Superficial candidiasis can be acute and chronic, recurrent. An acute process most often occurs as a result of taking antibiotics or after suffering an acute viral disease, trauma to the skin and mucous membranes. Chronization of the process is possible with endocrine, immune disorders in the body, as well as as a result of self-medication or incorrect, insufficiently effective treatment.

• Chronic generalized (granulomatous) candidiasis – multiple lesions of the skin, mucous membranes, nails, internal organs can be affected. This form of the disease is more severe, typical for patients with severe immunodeficiency, hereditary genetic predisposition, and has autoimmune mechanisms.

• Systemic (visceral) candidiasis is a severe dangerous infection in which fungi are found in the blood and enter various organs and tissues through the bloodstream, affecting them – bones, brain, heart, kidneys, etc. Such an infection occurs in people with severe immunodeficiency (for example, HIV infection, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, etc. ), when the growth of fungi occurs uncontrollably and poses a real threat to the life of the patient.

Fungi of the genus Candida are found in small quantities in almost any person. The fact of detection of fungi in a small amount without complaints and manifestations does not require any treatment.

Different age and sex groups are more likely to have their own, specific types of fungal infections.

Oral thrush is common in infants, children, the elderly and denture wearers, bedridden patients with weakened immune systems and poor oral hygiene.

Fungal infection of the skin folds occurs in infants (in the diaper area), in overweight people (groin folds, perineal area, in the fold under the abdomen, in the axillary areas), with disorders of carbohydrate metabolism (diabetes mellitus, increased insulin in the blood).

Vaginal yeast infection is common in pregnant women after taking antibiotics, some strong hormonal drugs. It has been proven that modern low- and microdose hormonal contraceptives, including vaginal (Nova-Ring), intrauterine devices do not increase the risk of developing vaginal candidiasis.

Invasive candidiasis is most common in individuals with severely compromised immune systems.

Candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted disease or contagious infection. Yeast activity in the vagina may change as a result of sexual activity, but sex itself does not cause infection. Treatment of a healthy sexual partner who has no complaints by contact is not indicated. It may be recommended to examine the partner and treat him if he has problems with the microflora.

Preventive sanitation of the sexual partner is recommended only for recurrent persistent course of candidiasis in a woman. But the main thing is to find out the factors that lead to recurring episodes of the disease in the patient himself (hormonal examination, immune status, sugar level, concomitant viral or other bacterial infections, concomitant diseases) and their elimination.

Symptoms

Carrying fungi on the skin and mucous membranes does not cause any complaints and usually does not require any treatment. Only in some cases, candida-carrier sanitation can be recommended (for example, in pregnant women), since they have a high risk of developing a symptomatic fungal infection.

In the case of the development of an infectious fungal process, the symptoms of the disease are determined by its localization. These can be:

• Skin changes (redness, rash, blisters, diaper rash, cracks, white spots).

• Itching, sometimes painful, worse after contact with water.

• Cottage cheese flakes, films on mucous membranes, difficult to detach.

• Pain at the site of the lesion, from mild discomfort to severe pain.

• Swelling of mucous membranes, slight vulnerability on examination, contact bleeding.

• Burning sensation, warmth.

• Vaginal discharge – profuse, cheesy, flaky, may have a greenish tint due to a pronounced leukocyte reaction.

Why the disease is dangerous

Candida infection in the mouth can make it difficult to eat. You may experience pain while eating or swallowing and lose your sense of taste. If the esophagus is damaged by fungal masses, swallowing is impossible, if the respiratory tract is affected, respiratory disorders occur. If a nursing mother has a fungus in the nipple area, it can enter the child’s mouth, forming oral thrush.

Fungal vaginitis provokes pain during intimacy, there may be contact spotting, itching. The quality of life is deteriorating.

For a pregnant woman, genital candidiasis poses a risk of miscarriage – miscarriage or premature rupture of amniotic fluid, premature birth, poor healing of postpartum fissures or perineal scarring, infectious postpartum complications. In the case of preterm birth, infection with the fungus from the mother during childbirth can pose a serious risk to the health of a premature newborn with immature lungs.

Fungal infection of the nails causes significant cosmetic defects, reduces self-esteem, prevents wearing open shoes.

Generalized and systemic forms of the disease are formidable conditions that pose a danger to health and even human life.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, especially the duration and severity of the illness, previous treatment, and examine exposed skin and mucous membranes. He will also take swabs from the mucous membranes or scrapings from the skin (nails) to confirm the presence of the fungus and come up with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Examination includes microscopic examination of a smear or scraping (examination of the material under a microscope), inoculation for fungi, including determining the type of fungus and its sensitivity to antifungal antibiotics. This is especially important when, in the presence of symptoms of a fungal infection, a smear does not confirm the diagnosis, as well as in the case of a recurrent infection, ineffectiveness of standard antifungal therapy.

Sowing (isolation of the fungus during the cultivation of material taken from the patient on a special nutrient medium) allows you to establish a diagnosis, clarify the type of fungus, determine the sensitivity of the isolated fungus to antifungal antibiotics. Thus, it will be possible to prescribe the most effective treatment.

May be indicated screening for concomitant microflora for STDs, bacteria and viruses (herpes, human papillomavirus, chlamydia, etc.) examine the mucous membranes, take tests if necessary.

Blood tests – clinical, hormonal tests, immunological examination – according to indications, individually, prescribed by a doctor.

Systemic and generalized lesions may require other types of examinations (ultrasound, MRI)

How to treat candidiasis

Since Candida is a fungus, antifungal drugs are the mainstay of treatment to stop the growth of fungi. Specific drugs have a fungistatic (suppressing the growth of fungi) or fungicidal (destroying the cell wall of the fungus and leading to its death) action. They are available in different shapes:

• Oral: medicine is taken by mouth (tablet, liquid or capsule).

• Topical application: the drug is applied directly to the affected area (creams or ointments, vaginal and rectal suppositories and creams), nail polishes, eye and ear drops.

Significantly less often, as a rule, in stationary conditions and in severe forms, antifungal drugs are used in the form of solutions for intravenous administration.

There is a huge variety of different antifungal drugs, and more and more are being developed. The need for their development is due to the fact that fungi tend to acquire resistance to antifungal antibiotics, and previously used drugs may not have the desired therapeutic effect. In addition, self-medication, the use of insufficient dosages or too short a course of treatment contributes to the selection of resistant strains of fungi.

The patient, however, is not cured of a fungal infection, but contributes to the transition of his disease to a chronic form. Therefore, it is extremely important that the treatment of candidiasis be prescribed by a doctor, choosing it individually, depending on a number of factors. You should not try to independently navigate the treatment regimens and the variety of antifungal drugs. What helped a friend or relative may not be suitable for you personally. It is the task of the doctor, after collecting a detailed history, examination and a full examination, to prescribe a treatment that can be further adjusted depending on the individual reaction to it.

In complex therapy for candidiasis, drugs are used to correct immune disorders, normalize disturbed microflora, multivitamins, etc.

The doctor will give clear instructions on how to use each type of antifungal drug in order to completely eliminate the fungal infection. With an acute, uncomplicated, first-time process, treatment can be quite short and fast. In chronic relapsing forms, a sufficiently long, individually prescribed treatment is necessary, as a rule, this is a combination of local and systemic (oral) forms of drugs. After the exacerbation of the infection has been removed, supportive treatment is indicated to prevent relapses (usually for several months, sometimes for six months).

To reduce discomfort in the acute phase of illness:

• Avoid foods with refined carbohydrates, yeast or foods high in sugar, avoid alcohol, spicy seasonings, salty, pickled, smoked foods.

• Reduce the effects of stress.

• Avoid wearing synthetic non-breathable clothing, the use of synthetic underwear, pads, prolonged exposure to a wet swimsuit (if the vagina and perineal skin are affected).

Treat the infection with medicines prescribed only by your doctor (especially with antibiotics). Avoid self-treatment, treatment by “an analogy with the treatment prescribed by a friend or relative”, this may not be right for you and increases the likelihood of selection of drug-resistant fungi, chronicity of the process.

Monitor general health and treat underlying diseases. Maintain normal body weight. Engage in weight loss if necessary.

Prevention

Useful for preventing candidiasis:

• Maintain good oral and body hygiene.

• Maintaining a balanced diet.

• Stress management.

Maintain normal blood sugar and glycemic control if you have a carbohydrate metabolism disorder (diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance).

If you are prescribed antibiotics or medicines that can cause Candida overgrowth, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to prevent a possible yeast infection. In chronic candidiasis, prophylactic antifungal drugs are required during this period.

Before planning a pregnancy in the presence of chronic recurrent candidiasis, it is imperative to visit a gynecologist and follow his recommendations.

Fungus in dogs: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Fungal diseases in dogs are a common problem that can occur on many different parts of the body. However, most often the fungus affects the ears, paws and skin folds.

Fungal diseases in dogs: symptoms

Dogs with an ear fungal infection have red, itchy, and foul-smelling ears. In some cases, there is also an excess of dark brown earwax. Fungal otitis in dogs causes severe itching, so the animal constantly scratches its ears and shakes its head. The pet may rub its ears against furniture or carpet, leaving a “signature” smell on everything it touches, or growl when its ears are scratched

In case of fungal skin diseases in dogs, the skin turns red and itches. The pet may lose hair and develop an unpleasant odor. If your dog constantly chews on its paws and the paw pads are red, swollen and smell bad, it could be a fungal infection. If it is not treated for a long time, the skin begins to thicken, coarsen and blacken.

Fungal infections in dogs: causes

Malasesia is the most common type of yeast that affects dogs; in small quantities they constantly live on healthy dogs. Normally, the immune system controls the amount of fungus. But when something disturbs the health or balance of the skin and ears, it causes an overgrowth of yeast.

Conditions that are caused by a dog’s predisposition to overgrow yeast include respiratory allergies, food allergies, hormonal disorders including thyroid disease and diabetes. Also among them is hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s disease in dogs, as well as any factors that negatively affect the immune system.

Pets can also develop a form of otitis externa because the yeast loves moisture. If the dog swims or plays in the water a lot and the owner doesn’t dry the dog’s ears after bathing, the humid environment in the ear canal can encourage a fungal infection in the ear.

Fungal Infections in Dogs: What to Do When You Suspect

If owners suspect a fungal infection in their dog, it’s time to make an appointment with a veterinarian. If the disease is confirmed, two things must be taken care of:

• solve the problem of yeast fungus on the dog’s skin or ears;
• eliminate the underlying disease that poses a threat to the health of the skin and ears.

If the root cause is not corrected, even if the fungus is cleared with antifungal drugs, the pet will face a recurrence of the problem. Allergies can be managed with special food or antihistamines. Hormonal disorders can be controlled with drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.

Fungal diseases in dogs: how they are diagnosed

Veterinarians diagnose fungal infections in dogs based on the results of a physical examination and routine laboratory tests. To do this, the doctor takes a scraping from the surface of the skin or a smear from the dog’s ear, stains it and examines it under a microscope.

If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has an underlying disease causing yeast, they will recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment of fungal diseases in dogs

If a veterinarian identifies an ear fungus in dogs, they will likely prescribe a combination treatment of ear cleaning and topical medication.

Ear cleaning is an important part of the treatment as it removes anything that may be blocking the ear canal. It is better if a veterinarian shows how this is done. He may prescribe a medicated lotion or cream to apply to the dog’s ears once or twice a day after brushing. Such products must be used in accordance with the recommendations of the veterinarian: do not skip doses and do not stop taking it prematurely, even if the dog feels better. Fungal infections like to hide deep in the ear canals, and if treatment is stopped too soon, the pet may develop resistance to the drug, which can lead to a new infection.

Fungal infections of the skin in dogs are treated in several ways. Your veterinarian may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. Topical treatments such as antifungal creams, lotions, shampoos, and prescription wipes can also be effective. If your pet has a yeast fungus on its paws, you can use medicated wipes or cream.

Ketoconazole shampoo may help with large areas of skin lesions. It must be left on the skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. When used properly and addressing the root cause, medicated shampoos are very effective in fighting yeast overgrowth and also help your dog get rid of bad breath. The instructions of the veterinarian regarding the prescribed treatment must be strictly followed.

Fungus in dogs: prevention

Fungal infection of the ears and skin in dogs is a sign of other problems in the body. The most effective way to prevent damage is to address the root causes. Perhaps it will be just rubbing the dog’s ears after bathing.

It is mandatory for owners to take their dog to the veterinarian for annual check-ups and blood tests annually. The doctor will be able to treat any underlying problems in a timely manner, including hormonal disorders or allergies. If your pet has a food allergy, you can discuss with a specialist switching to a prescription food that either contains a limited number of ingredients or is hypoallergenic.

See also:

Cushing’s syndrome (fragile skin syndrome) in dogs

Caring for a dog with sensitive skin

dogs: symptoms and treatment

Getting rid of the dog ear mites

Dr. Sarah Wooten

Dr. Sarah Wooten

Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Dr. Wooten divides his professional time between his private small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on peer issues, leadership and client communication, and writing. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, skiing, scuba diving and participating in triathlons.