fungal epithlium disease

Although still outnumbered by their bacterial and viral counterparts, opportunistic fungal infections have become a major threat for humans. Fungal pathogens are responsible for an increasing number of emerging infectious diseases.

The development of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive chemotherapies to avoid graft rejection or cancer progression, the introduction of more aggressive medical procedures, including prosthetic devices, and the treatment of patients with broad-spectrum antibiotics, account for a growing proportion of hospital-acquired infections, particularly among organ-transplant recipients and other patients receiving immunosuppressive treatments.

Fungal diseases have also become common among AIDS patients. In addition, isolated outbreaks of other fungal diseases in people with normal immune systems have recently begun to surface.

Who suffers from Candida?

Candida news

What is Candida?

Candida is a fungus that belongs to the grouping of yeasts. It is oval, 2 to 6 mm in diameter. Yeasts are tiny fungus-like organisms found on plant leaves and flowers, and in soil and saltwater. The yeasts assist in the decomposition and recycling of plants and algae. Yeasts also play an important role in human culture and history—imagine a world devoid of beer, wine and bread. Commercially, yeasts produce alcohol by fermenting rice, wheat, barley, and corn, and in the baking industry they are used to help dough rise. Brewer's yeast—a rich source of protein, B vitamins, niacin, and folic acid—is often taken as a supplement.

Although it is easy to find enjoyment in yeast products, it is difficult to appreciate these organisms when they are unleashed to cause harm in human hosts.

Pictures of Candida

Candida is the most common causative agent recovered from immunocompromised patients succumbing to a fungal infection. Even with aggressive drug therapy, the prognosis is not good, with mortality rates ranging from 30 to 50%.

There are some known Candida species.

Look at this graph and answer:

Of all the infections caused by Candida, which species is the most common?

Graph

Candida albicans is a fungus that is always present in our bodies. In small amounts it is harmless but when its growth increases it can be devastating. It is considered one of the most prevalent, albeit unrecognized health conditions.

<em>Candida</em> albicans

More about Candida at the website

When do we contract C. albicans?

Common symptoms of Candida

Treating Candida

The future--the hope