What disease is caused by Candida albicans?
I am a 30-year-old female. Recently, I have experienced severe vaginal itching, and my vaginal discharge has become curd-like. I searched online and found that my symptoms resemble those of a Candida albicans infection. Could you please explain what a Candida albicans infection is? What effects could it have on my body? How should I be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans.
Candida albicans is one of the most common pathogenic fungi and is considered an opportunistic pathogen. This fungus is also part of the normal human microbiota, primarily residing in areas such as the mouth, skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. It usually does not cause disease, but when the body's immunity decreases or the local environment changes, such as during pregnancy, diabetes, or long-term antibiotic use, Candida albicans may proliferate excessively and cause illness.
Candida albicans infections can occur in multiple areas including the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital system, leading to various conditions such as oral thrush and fungal vaginitis. During oral infection, common symptoms include mouth pain and itching accompanied by white patches; in vaginal infections, symptoms may include vaginal itching, burning, pain, and thick vaginal discharge. Treatment of candidiasis typically requires following medical advice to use medications such as fluconazole tablets or voriconazole tablets.
