Candidal Infection

Question 1

what is candidal infection

Answer 1

acute and chronic infection caused by most commonly candida albicans

Question 2

what patients are more susceptible to candidal disease

Answer 2

patients taking certain drugs (inhaled corticosteroids and broad spectrum antibiotics)
diabetic patients
patients with nutritional deficiencies
leukaemia or HIV patients

Question 3

what is pseudomembranous candidiasis

Answer 3

white patches on oral mucosa which can be wiped off to reveal raw erythematous base which can be painful and bleed

Question 4

what is erythematous candidiasis

Answer 4

red patches on oral mucosa - typically involving the dorsal surface of tongue

Question 5

what is the initial management of candidal infection

Answer 5

advise patient to rinse mouth after using corticosteroid inhaler and use spacer
prescribe fluconazole or miconazole oral gel for superficial infections

Question 6

when may you need to check before prescribing antifungals to patients

Answer 6

if patient is on warfarin or statins
if patient is immunocompromised