Organisms become airborne and infect the lungs. Severity of infection is related to the cell wall and capsule antigens. Treatment - Amphotericin B plus flucytosine. Candidiasis Candida albicans produce filaments called pseudohyphae. They are commensals on the skin, mouth, vagina and intestinal tract, and cause infection when the body is compromised.
Infection can be cutaneous, systemic or chronic mucocutaneous.
Cutaneous - Oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis and individuals with body parts exposed to moisture for long periods. Treatment - Nystatin, gentian violet, miconazole and condicidin. Systemic -Prior to invasion of the epidermis organisms are transformed from spore to hyphae, then spread by blood to other tissues such as heart, spinal cord and urethra. Treatment - Amphotericin B plus flucytosine. Chronic mucocutaneous - It is associated with T cell deficiency and conditions that affect cell mediated immunity.