Candidózisa

Candidózisa, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. Candida normally resides as part of the body's microbiota on skin and mucous membranes but can overgrow and invade when immunity is reduced or ecological balance is disturbed.

Common sites include the mouth (oropharyngeal candidiasis), the vagina (vaginal candidiasis), and skin folds (cutaneous candidiasis). In immunocompromised individuals, Candida can cause invasive candidiasis, leading to bloodstream infection (candidemia) and organ involvement.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and microbiological evidence. Direct microscopy with KOH preparation, culture, or histopathology from affected sites can confirm infection; blood cultures are used when invasive disease is suspected.

Treatment depends on the site and severity. Mild mucocutaneous disease is often treated with topical antifungals such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole. Oropharyngeal or vaginal infections frequently respond to oral fluconazole, with alternatives like itraconazole if needed. Esophageal involvement or refractory cases may require systemic therapy with echinocandins or amphotericin B, depending on the situation and local resistance patterns.

Prevention focuses on addressing risk factors, including good glycemic control in diabetes, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, limiting immunosuppressive agents when possible, and removing indwelling catheters to reduce invasive risk, particularly in hospital settings.

Candida species are common causes of fungal infections worldwide; invasive candidiasis occurs mainly in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients and carries notable mortality risk. Name in Hungarian: candidózisa.