Candida vulvovaginitis pathophysiology

Candidiasis Main page
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification
Pathophysiology

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. Candidiasis thereby encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Gross Images

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  Oral candidiasis on the tongue and soft palate.

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  Oral manifestations of HIV infection and AIDS. Chronic oral candidiasis in patient with AIDS. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Soft palate showing extensive oral candidiasis in patient with AIDS. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Oral candidiasis Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Eczema secondary to candidiasis. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Candidiasis; skinfold. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Erythematous candidiasis. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Genital candidiasis. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Paronychia: Another manifestation of candidiasis. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Interdigital candidiasis. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Candidiasis of umblical cord. White spots of colonies are present. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

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  Lung: Candidiasis. Postmortem findings. Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

Histopathology

Candidiasis of Esophagus & Colon

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Histopathological Findings

Images courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

This autopsy photograph of the kidneys demonstrates the multifocal punctate lesions visible on the serosal surface (arrows). Don't confuse these small yellow punctate lesions with the fat that is adherent to the renal capsule.

This photograph of the cut surface of these kidneys shows that these multifocal punctate lesions are primarily in the cortex (arrows).

This is a low-power photomicrograph of lymph node with three prominent areas of Candida colonies (arrows). Even at this low magnification, the purple-staining yeast and pseudohyphae can be easily seen. This section was stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff Hematoxylin (PASH), which stains the cell wall of fungi to make them more easily visible.

This is a low-power photomicrograph of one of the Candida colonies from this lymph node. The chains of yeast which are termed "pseudohyphae" are apparent at this magnification.

This higher-power photomicrograph shows the yeasts and pseudohyphae in this focus of Candida organisms.

This high-power photomicrograph shows the yeasts (1) and pseudohyphae (2).

This is a low-power photomicrograph of the kidney from this same case. Note the Candida colonies (arrows). The pseudohyphae are evident around the periphery of these colonies even at this low magnification.

This is a higher-power photomicrograph of a Candida colony in the kidney. Note the pseudohyphae of the Candida organisms.

Autopsy Findings

At autopsy, there was evidence of disseminated candidiasis.

See Also

• Candida albicans
• Oral candidiasis

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