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There are several laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose candidiasis. The most common test is a **blood culture test**, which checks if Candida grows from a blood sample. Other tests include **mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibody test**, which detects a carbohydrate in the cell wall of CanRead more
There are several laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose candidiasis. The most common test is a **blood culture test**, which checks if Candida grows from a blood sample. Other tests include **mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibody test**, which detects a carbohydrate in the cell wall of Candida, and **organic acids urine test**, which measures the metabolites of Candida in the body. For candida in the mouth or throat, a visual examination or a small sample from the area may be enough. For candida in the esophagus, an **endoscopy** may be needed.
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Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing problRead more
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing problems. However, it can cause infections if it grows out of control or if it enters deep into the body.
The clinical features of candidiasis vary according to the type of candidal infection. For example:
See less1. Pseudomembranous oral candidiasis (oral thrush) presents with patches of curd-like, white, or yellowish plaques that can occur anywhere in the mouth, especially the cheeks, gums, palate, and tongue.
2. Signs and symptoms of invasive candidiasis are often non-specific and include fever and chills that do not respond to antibacterial treatment. Candidemia is the most common form of invasive candidiasis.
Other forms include endocarditis, peritonitis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, and endophthalmitis.