Candida Infections: Defining Characteristics

The candida fungus overgrowth is commonly associated with many defining characteristics. The fungus is capable of infecting all individuals, but is more commonly diagnosed in adult women.

There exist several types of candida infections (oral thrush, moniliasis, balanitis, intertrigo, and systemic candida), all having defining characteristics that include location and specific symptoms. However, the main causes of infection for all types remain similar, but change based on the particular circumstances of the individual system.

Candida Overgrowth: The Causes

A variety of Candida fungi, over twenty species, are the cause for yeast infections. The overgrowth of this fungus is most commonly caused by Candida albicans. Candida is normally located on the body in small controlled amounts.

There are three main causes of the loss of control of the normal Candida growth. These causes of Candida overgrowth include: environmental changes, immune system weakness and/or suppression, and the use of antibiotics and steroids.

Antibiotic and Steroid Use

The use of antibiotics and steroids are the two most common causes of Candida overgrowth and infection. Frequent or overuse of antibiotics within a particular individual causes normal bacteria to increase overall resistance levels. The increased resistance to these antibiotics can result in overgrowth of the normal Candida present on the body. The overgrowth of Candida is infection. Steroids are associated with decreased immune system efficiency. This loss of proficiency in the immune system is cause increase susceptibility to Candida overgrowth.

Environmental Changes

Environmental changes are another cause for overgrowth of Candida. Most environmental changes within the body are unavoidable. Pregnancy is associated with increased frequency of Candida infections. Long term presence of sperm and use of birth control pill use are also associated with this increase of frequency in infection rates.

Menstruation causes many changes and women are more susceptible to infection during this period. Post-menopausal women are also associated with increased rates of infection. The presence of urinary catheters and IV ports provide Candida with options for direct entrance to the bloodstream, again, increasing overall rates of infection. The condition diabetes is also associated with reduced glycogen levels, raising overall sugar content and pH of the normal environmental system, increasing susceptibility for infections.

Immune System: Suppressed and Weakened

There are many ways in which the immune system can be suppressed and/or weakened, creating a decrease in its ability to function against infections. The presence of specific conditions associated with weakened immune systems such as HIV and cancer are also correlated with higher rates of Candida infections.

The immune system functions to provide the body with defense mechanisms against harmful agents. Any suppression, deficiency, or weakness to the general immune system creates increased susceptibility rates of Candida infections and could result in an array of other difficulties.

Learn more about Candida Albicans and Yeast Infections here.

Sources:
ttp://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/candidiasis-yeast-infection
http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-yeast-infection-basics
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/vaginal-infections