Comprehensive candidiasis treatment

An infection caused by the Candida albicans yeast, occasionally by other species of the genus Candida, is referred to as candidiasis (syn.

candidosis, moniliasis). It is a fungus that is an indispensable part of the human organism. In a healthy person, it is in balance and symbiosis

with the other microorganisms in the oral and intestinal microflora. When an infection develops, both factors increasing the colonization

rate of the mucosa with yeast and those increasing the host’s susceptibility to colonization of the skin and mucosa with yeast are involved.

Superficial mucosal and skin infections are quantitatively clinically most significant, but systemic Candida infections of internal organs in

septicaemia, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, and hepatosplenic and renal involvement are more severe and life threatening. Candidiasis

is the most frequent mycosis with a number of different clinical presentations of varying severity. Comprehensive candidiasis treatment

involves effective local and systemic azole, triazole and polyene antifungal agents and echinocandins as well as general principles of comprehensive

treatment, including interdisciplinary collaboration, targeted therapy of possible concomitant conditions, and reducing longterm

use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants according to the patient’s health condition. Effective

comprehensive treatment and prevention of the spread of yeast infection also include patient education on side effects of some drugs and

on the effects of lifestyle, nutrition, improper clothing, hygiene and sexual risk behaviour on the development of recurrent candidiases.

Keywords: aetiology and pathogenesis of Candida infections, comprehensive treatment, antifungal drugs, prevention