Candidiasis

infection of the mucous membranes caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Other terms for candidiasis are yeast infection, moniliasis (after a former name of the fungal genus), and thrush, the latter term usually being reserved for infection of the mucous membrane of the mouth. The fungus is a normal inhabitant of the mouth and vagina, and its growth is usually kept in check by certain bacteria that also live in these areas. When the balance of these organisms is disturbed by antibiotic treatment, by hormonal imbalances, or by a weakening of the body’s resistance to disease (as occurs in AIDS ), the fungus can begin to proliferate. Candidiasis of the penis (usually traceable to a female with the infection) is called balanitis. Candidal infections are treated with antifungal drugs such as Diflucan and miconazole.

Tags: Candida albicans, Candidal infections, CANDIDIASIS, fungal infection, miconazole, nystatin

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 at 6:29 am and is filed under antibiotics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.