Candida Krusei Treatment

By Ryan McHargue, eHow Contributor Candida is a genus of yeasts (a type of fungus) that includes a large number of separate species, most of which live in animal hosts, including humans. Most are essentially harmless, but some species can cause candidiasis, or a candida infection. Candida krusei are responsible for between one and three percent of candidiasis infections, and they also are used in the production of chocolate.

1. Causes and Symptoms

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Candida krusei are common and often reside within a host with little negative effect because the afflicted person's immune system and other microorganisms (such as bacteria) with which they share living space keep them from colonizing and causing infection. Infections generally occur when a person's immune system is compromised to some degree, causing the Candida cells to colonize in various areas within the body. They also can occur when a person is being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, killing much of the gut flora that feeds on Candida krusei and other Candida species. This is why many systemic Candida infections happen in a hospital setting. Infection location varies widely, and each infection location can cause separate diseases and complications. Symptoms of Candida krusei infection are highly varied, depending on the site of infection and colonization. If in a relatively visible area, such as the mouth, genitals, ears, skin or scalp, infection presents itself as a white, fuzzy film, which is in fact a growing fungal colony. The area can itch greatly, and it spreads slowly. Generally, Candida krusei are more of a nuisance than a danger, causing localized infections, most commonly in the skin, mouth and vagina, leading to yeast infections. Symptoms include itching, burning, irritation and a cottage cheese-like discharge. The area also may be malodorous. In patients with a deficiency in their immune system, Candida krusei can lead to a more systemic illness and is a much more common illness than in people with a healthy immune system. Gastrointestinal candidiasis can be present without symptoms, although the afflicted person may have colonies of Candida krusei growing in the soft, wet tissues of the mouth and esophagus, which may be accompanied by a burning feeling. Candida krusei can invade the respiratory tract, which presents as a sore throat or a hoarse feeling and sometimes can lead to pneumonia.

If Candida infection is systemic, throughout the blood, symptoms include a long-lasting fever, skin lesions and, sometimes, septic shock, and sometimes it is associated with infection and colonization in multiple organs.

2. Treatment and Prognosis

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Treatment of candidiasis varies widely based upon the location and severity of the infection. Skin infections generally are treated with topical anti-fungal products, such as clotrimazole. Gastrointestinal candidiasis generally is treated in the same way, as well as with anti-fungal oral solutions. Systemic candidiasis usually is treated with fluconazole, a common anti-fungal agent. Typically, organ infections are treated with fluconazole or other similar azoles. On very rare occasions, surgical draining of the infected colonization sites is performed, and the colony is excised before anti-fungal treatment occurs. Candidiasis is a common infection, especially in people with underlying immunodeficiency. Treatment is usually very effective, and recovery time is minimal. In cases in which a severe immunodeficiency is present, c