Candida albicans - what is it? Candida albicans. Candidiasis, thrush

The human body is the habitat of many microorganisms classified as pathogenic or conditionally harmful microflora. This diversity of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa is controlled by the immune system, which regulates their numbers and prevents populations from growing.

Of the many species, the most common is the fungus Candida albicans, a member of the Candida family. Everyone needs to know how this pathogen behaves in the body and what health consequences a disease such as candidiasis can lead to.

What is Candida albicans

The Candida family includes over 170 species, but the most common are the causative agents of candidiasis - the yeast-like fungi albicans. They live in every organism and at minimal concentrations do not pose a threat, so they are classified as so-called opportunistic microflora.

Mushrooms of this species are divided according to the type of structure; scientists divide them into the following forms:

• hyphal - sprout with thin thread-like outgrowths;
• pseudomicellar - branched chains of cells in an individual shell;
• yeast-like - round-shaped cells that grow in the form of homogeneous clusters.

As for the structure of the cell of the fungus Candida albicans, its structure includes:

• nucleus surrounded by a membrane;
• mitochondria;
• ribosomes;
• Golgi apparatus;
• endoplasmic reticulum;
• cell membrane: composed of chitin, mannoproteins and glucans.

The functional features of the cell wall are that it not only serves as a protective shell, but also actively interacts with the environment.

When favorable conditions arise in the body, the population of Candida albicans begins to increase and may exceed the norm.

Where does the PCR smear for candida come from?

Patients often wonder what the methodology for collecting PCR for candida is, and where the biological material will be collected from. It is important to keep in mind that there are several options for obtaining biomaterial. They vary depending on the gender of the patient and the location of the pathological process. For example, if a patient has been diagnosed with urogenital candidiasis, there is no point in taking a PCR test for candida from the mouth, since the test will not give results.

PCR for candida from the vagina

If we are talking about a representative of the fair sex, then the material will most likely be collected from her vagina. If she complains of symptoms of urogenital candidiasis. It is believed that thrush in women is quite common. Moreover, many factors can provoke it, ranging from an uncomfortable position during sex to the frequent use of tampons.

The process of collecting material is always the same. A woman, having entered the gynecologist’s office, undresses behind a screen specially adapted for this purpose, and then lies down on the gynecological chair. The doctor takes a swab from the vagina and also from the urethra. If necessary, material can also be taken from the cervical canal.

The procedure is completely painless, although some representatives of the fair sex complain of unpleasant sensations. They can be caused by differences between body temperature and the temperature of the smear collection instruments. Often, when collecting material, the doctor additionally evaluates the general condition of the genital organs. Detecting swelling, redness, ulceration of the mucous membrane, the presence or absence of discharge and other pathological changes.

PCR for candida from the glans penis or urethra

A swab from the head of the penis for PCR for candida is performed mainly on men. This is explained by the fact that the fungus in the stronger sex loves to settle on the skin between the head and the foreskin. There, almost ideal conditions are created for it, such as humidity, heat, and frequent friction.

Naturally, pathogenic microorganisms settle there if a man ignores the standards of hygienic care for the penis. For Candida PCR, a vaginal swab is performed on women, and a urethral swab may be performed on men. During this procedure, a special instrument is inserted into the urethra to a shallow depth. With its help, material is collected.

Unlike women, this procedure is often unpleasant for men. It is quite understandable why representatives of the stronger sex prefer to take a smear from the head rather than from the urethra. But in some cases it is necessary to undergo both studies. After the material is collected from the urethra, a representative of the stronger sex may complain of pain and burning when urinating. In most cases, the symptoms go away quite quickly, but if this suddenly does not happen, you should visit the doctor again.

Other PCR test options for candida

When deciding where PCR for candida comes from, it is worth remembering that the disease has several different forms. With the urogenital form of the disease, everything is clear; in it, biological material is collected from the urogenital tract. But in what cases can material be collected from other areas, patients are interested.

PCR for candida from the anus is a fairly common test. It is recommended for patients who have symptoms of anal candidiasis. Also, sometimes this analysis is supplemented with recommendations for the urogenital form of the disease. The fact is that the bacterium quite easily ends up in the anus. This is possible during anal intercourse without barrier protection. And also when sexual discharge flows into the anal area.

PCR for candida in children is taken mainly from the oral cavity. This is explained by the fact that children mainly suffer from stomatitis due to infection with this unpleasant infection. True, if other symptoms of the disease appear, material can be taken from other areas.

Scraping the skin of the perineum for PCR for candida is another way to obtain biological material. It is recommended to perform it if a fungal infection of the skin is detected. This is one of the simplest ways to obtain material that will then be examined using polymerase chain reaction.

How it spreads

The causative agent of candidiasis lives in every person in minimal concentrations. And it is considered opportunistic precisely because, with minimal content, the fungus has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, promoting digestion.

The habitat of mushrooms is the human intestines , their functions are the decomposition and absorption of glucose and lactose by the body with the formation of gas and acid. The waste product of Candida albicans is endotoxin, which in high concentrations causes the death of living cells.

Fungi live in the human intestines

Necessary conditions for life

For the successful reproduction of Candida fungi and increasing the population, the following conditions are necessary:

• oxygen;
• carbohydrates for cellular nutrition;
• high humidity;
• acidic environment - pH from 5.8 to 6.5;
• temperature from 22 to 36 degrees Celsius.

Under normal conditions, control over the proliferation of fungi in the body is carried out by the immune system, but if it is weakened, then Candida begins to form massive clusters.

Since there are no conditions in the human intestine that can destroy Candida albicans, but a slightly acidic environment characterized by the required temperature and humidity, they feel great there and try to grow. The immune system controls their population, and if the immune system is suppressed, Candida grows very quickly.

From the intestinal cavity, the fungus moves into the stomach and then into the oral cavity. In women, there is a very high probability that the infection will spread from the rectum to the mucous membranes of the genital organs. From there, penetrating into the slightly acidic environment of the vagina, Candida begins to develop at a rapid pace. The disease enters the active phase. In this condition, a woman can transmit the infection in several ways.

How is it transmitted?

Growing on the vaginal mucosa, candidiasis or, as it is also called, thrush has the following ways of spreading:

• from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth (during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal);
• with unprotected sexual intercourse, oral-genital contact, kissing - to a partner;
• through household items - to the rest of the family.

Candidiasis is transmitted from person to person both through household and sexual contact, but this disease is not considered a venereal disease.

Being in nature

Under natural conditions, Candida albicans can be found everywhere:

• in products, especially dairy;
• in meat;
• in fish;
• on fruits, vegetables and herbs.

It should be remembered that the following types of food preparation do not affect the condition of the fungus in any way:

• pickling;
• smoking;
• freezing.

You can get rid of the infection by:

• heat treatment;
• chemical treatment with iodine, formaldehyde, phenol and chlorine.

Another distinctive feature of these microorganisms is their amazing vitality. When exposed to unfavorable conditions, they retain the ability to reproduce and live 3-12 months after:

• overdrying;
• freezing.

The only natural factor that can kill the fungus within 5 or 10 minutes is direct sunlight. When exposed to artificial ultraviolet irradiation, it dies within 14 days.

Where can you find the fungus and ways of infection?

As mentioned earlier, Candida albicans is a member of the natural bacterial flora of humans. In addition, unicellular organisms live in the external environment, since they are aerobic organisms (need oxygen). Infection can occur through the patient's personal belongings (toothbrushes, dishes, towels). They are also found in fruits containing a lot of sugar, fermented milk products (milk, cottage cheese) and meat.

Parasites live in the bodies of birds and some animals. Yeast-like fungi can be found in stool.

Candida albicans is a very hardy microorganism that can live in an acidic environment and in air. The temperature range at which they calmly reproduce is quite wide - from 20 to 37°. Parasites survive desiccation and single freezing.

Infection of a child with a fungus is possible when it passes through the birth canal, during breastfeeding or contact (through skin) with an infected mother. In addition, infection of the fetus during intrauterine development is possible, since single-celled organisms can live in the placental environment. A pacifier and poorly disinfected medical instruments can also cause infection of the baby.

How is Candida albicans transmitted ?

• Sexual intercourse;
• Kiss;
• Medical procedures.

The parasite enters the human body and waits for the right moment.

Risk factors for developing candidiasis

Candida albicans is most often detected in women. It is in the female body, due to its anatomical features, that a microorganism necessary for digestion turns into a pathogenic infection.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing candidiasis are divided by scientists into two types: endogenous, causing weakening of the immune system and proliferation of the fungus, and exogenous – favorable environmental conditions that provoke the development of candidiasis in the body.

Endogenous causes of the disease include:

• persistent weakening of the immune system;
• long-term therapy with antibacterial drugs (antibiotics);
• hormonal imbalance in the body;
• diseases of the endocrine system (thrush occurs especially often against the background of diabetes and thyroid pathologies);
• age-related changes in the body (decreased production of sex hormones, in women - menopause);
• chronic diseases, especially in the acute stage;
• rehabilitation after serious injuries and accidents;
• disorders of the nervous system (constant stress, depression).

Exogenous factors include:

• unfavorable environmental situation in the region of permanent residence;
• harmful working conditions (work in conditions of high humidity and temperature, contact with substances that have an acidic chemical reaction);
• alcohol and tobacco abuse;
• neglect of personal hygiene standards, especially for the vagina and surrounding area;
• violations of the integrity of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, as well as the vagina, urethra, and areolas on the mammary glands during breastfeeding;
• errors in the diet towards the predominance of fast carbohydrates, sugar, fats.

With the complex impact of infection, neglect of diagnosis and treatment, generalized candidiasis develops, causing damage not only to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity and genital organs, but also penetration of the fungus into other organs and systems of the body.

To prescribe the correct treatment, it is very important to get tested for candidiasis and make a diagnosis. Only a qualified specialist can do this, so do not delay a visit if suspicious symptoms are detected.

When does infection become disease?

But as mentioned earlier, Candida albicans is a representative of the opportunistic human flora. This means that the parasite exhibits its pathogenic qualities only under certain conditions. In other cases, the fungus does not cause any harm to humans.

Candida albicans enters the body, settles in the digestive tract, from where it enters the bloodstream and is transported to other organs. Active reproduction of the fungus begins under the following conditions:

• Weakening of the immune system (vitamin deficiency);
• During pregnancy;
• After long-term use of antibacterial or corticosteroid drugs;
• Infectious diseases;
• Diseases with a chronic course.

Based on the above, the main cause of candidiasis is weakened immunity. As a result, the natural bacterial flora is disrupted.

There are a number of diseases that provoke the development of Candida albicans in the human body:

• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
• Tuberculosis;
• Oncological diseases and chemotherapy during treatment;
• Any stage of diabetes;
• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• Urogenital infections;
• Gardnerellosis;
• Insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland;
• Diseases of the blood system;
• Severe infections.

If at least one of the above diseases is present, Candida albicans begins to multiply.

Classification of the disease

Candida albicans causes several forms of candidiasis:

• oral form: the oral cavity is mainly affected;
• intestinal: infection spreads throughout the gastrointestinal tract;
• vaginal: localization of the disease within the vagina and external genitalia.

The degree of tissue damage can be superficial or deep. The most often diagnosed is the superficial form.

The transition to the disease stage when the fungus multiplies takes place in several stages:

1. Attachment to the mucous membrane or epidermis.
2. Growth at the site of localization.
3. Invasion into the upper layers of the epithelium.
4. Further growth.

Symptoms of candidiasis

As a result of the pathological overgrowth of Candida albicans, the patient develops the following symptoms, indicating the presence of a fungal infection:

• curdled discharge with a characteristic sour milk odor (in the vaginal form);
• white lactic acid coating on the inner surface of the cheeks and on the tongue (in the oral form);
• itching and burning in the genital area, as well as the anus (especially in the intestinal form);
• feverish state, low-grade fever;
• digestive disorders, flatulence, bloating and belching (in the intestinal form).

If the above signs and symptoms appear, you should immediately go to see a doctor, as examination and treatment are necessary.

Diagnostics

Laboratory methods are used to diagnose fungal infections. To identify Candida albicans, the following types of studies are carried out:

• PCR diagnostics: swab from the oral cavity or vagina;
• blood test for the presence of specific antibodies: anti-Candida albicans IgG and IgM;
• Analysis of urine;
• bacteriological scraping: growing biomaterial in a nutrient medium.

If the examination reveals the presence of a large amount of Candida fungus (their DNA is detected), then we can talk about candidiasis.

The normal concentration of Candida albicans is 103. The presence of Candida albicans in a woman’s smear with a reading of 104 is the maximum permissible norm. With the development of pathology, the Candida count increases to values ​​of 105 and 106, this indicates a high degree of damage to the body.

How many fungi are considered dangerous?

In a healthy person, 10 to 3 degrees or less colony-forming units of the fungal infection Candida albicans can be detected in the collected biological material. If he has no complaints or signs of infection, this indicator does not pose a danger to the body and does not require treatment.

If the number of pathogens fluctuates between 10 to 4–10 to 5 degrees, the patient is prescribed treatment. With such a concentration of fungal microorganisms, the patient may experience signs of candidiasis.

An excess of 10 to 5 colony forming units is a sign of serious damage to the body. In this case, complex treatment is prescribed. It is very important to monitor the dynamics of pathology development in order to assess the effectiveness of therapy.

When performing an analysis by culture, the norm in a smear is less than 10 to 4 degrees CFU/swab/ml. Negative PCR and ELISA tests indicate the absence of infection.

Treatment methods

Treatment of candidiasis involves the following types of therapy:

• oral administration (orally) of antifungal drugs;
• taking immunostimulating drugs to restore the immune system;
• taking vitamin and mineral complexes to eliminate the manifestations of hypovitaminosis;
• use of local medications (ointments, rectal and vaginal suppositories);
• treatment of fungal localization sites with a solution of baking soda or Furacilin.

Antifungal medications that can treat candidiasis include:

• polyene antibiotics (Nystatin, Levorin);
• drugs of the imidazoles group (Clotrimazole, Econazole, Miconazole);
• agents from the triazole group (Fluconazole, Terconazole, Itraconazole);
• drugs based on substances that inhibit glucan production (for example, Mikafugin);
• substances that inhibit fungal metabolism (Flucytosine).

For some forms of candidiasis, broad-spectrum drugs based on allylamines are used - Lamisil, Terbinox, Terbinafine.

It should be remembered that the main condition for successful treatment of candidiasis in women is abstinence from sexual contact in order to avoid transmission of the infection to a partner or re-infection.

Only a doctor can prescribe effective treatment. Self-medication will not only be ineffective, but can also cause damage to health, turning the disease into a chronic form.

Prevention of candidiasis

As you know, a disease is easier to prevent than to cure. This fully applies to candidiasis. The Candida fungus has the ability to become pathogenic, primarily when the immune system is impaired. Prevention of the disease consists of the following set of measures:

1. Compliance with healthy lifestyle standards: giving up bad habits, adherence to the principles of healthy eating, physical activity.
2. Strengthening the immune system.
3. Compliance with personal and intimate hygiene standards.
4. Pickiness in sexual relations.
5. Regular examination by medical specialists.

A woman should remember that chronic candidiasis can lead to serious diseases of the genital organs and the development of infertility. You can also infect not only your partner, but also your entire family through household items. And during pregnancy and childbirth, the fungus Candida albicans can be transmitted to the newborn.