INFECTION/DISEASE NAME: CANDIDIASIS

Also known as:

IMPORTANT
INFORMATION

CAUSATIVE
AGENT
PREDISPOSING
FACTORS

INCUBATION
PERIOD
PERIOD OF
COMMUNICABIL
ITY
MODE OF
TRANSMISSION

yeast infection, thrush, and moniliasis, candidiasis

The most common type of candidiasis is a superficial infection of the
mouth, vagina, or skin that causes white or red patches and itching,
irritation, or both.
o Candidiasis is also common among people who are taking antibiotics
because the antibiotics kill the bacteria that normally live in the body
and compete with Candida, allowing Candida to grow unchecked.
o Candida is more frequently isolated from woman
o Prevalence increase during the summer
o Denture-wearers 50 %
Candida Albicans (fungus)
o

Rise in glucose level / DM

Depressed immune system
Increase in level of estrogen
Use of some broad spectrum anti biotics
Introduced thru IV, urinary Catheters, drug abuse, hyperalimentations
or surgery
2 t0 5 days
o
o
o
o
o

While lesions are present

o
o
o
o

DIAGNOSTIC/
LABORATORY
EXAMS
SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS
(ACCORDING
TO SPECIFIC
INFECTIOUS
DISEASE
STAGES)

o
o

By contact with secretions and excretions of mouth, skin, vagina and

especially feces from patients or carriers.
Transmitted from mother to infant during delivery
It is transmitted by endogenous spread,
Also transmitted through mucosal lesions, unsterile narcotic injections,
percutaneous and indwelling urinary catheters
stool culture
Gram staining of skin, vaginal discharges, or scrapings

The clinical manifestations would depend on site of infection.

Skin Infection:
o Scaly, red, papular rash, often at skin folds such as under breast or
vaginal area. In diaper rash, there are papules at the edges of the
rash.
Mouth Infection:
o Cream-colored or bluish white patches o the tongue, mouth, or
pharynx. Patches swell and can cause difficulty of breathing in infants,
and burning sensations in mouth and throat of adults.
Vulvovaginal Infection:
o White or yellow "cheesy" extremely itchy discharge. White or gray
raised patches on vaginal walls causing painful sexual intercourse.

COMPLICATION
S/
SEQUELAE

PREVENTION
CONTROL

Systemic Infection:
o Chills, high fever. low blood pressure, prostration and sometimes rash
The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for
Candidiasis includes:
o Onychomycosis
o Tinea corporis
o Tinea pedis
o Vaginitis
o Thrush
1. Public educational about cause and mode or transmission, especially in
prenatal clinics
2. Detect and treat vaginal candidiasis during third trimester of
pregnancy to prevent neonatal infection

MEDICAL CARE
ACCORDING TO
OBJECTIVES
NURSING CARE

3. Detect early and treat locally any infection in the mouth, esophagus or
urinary bladder of those with predisposing systemic factors so as to
prevent systemic spread
4. People with predisposing conditions should be screened for candidiasis
and early treatment should be done.
5. Report cases to local health authority
6. Concurrent disinfection of secretions and contaminated articles
7. Investigate and treat contacts
Any indwelling central venous catheter should be removed.
Application of an OTC antifungal cream (Monistat) for 7days- Oral fluconazole

1. Observe standard precautions.

2. Provide a nonirritating mouthwash to loosen tenacious secretions and
a soft toothbrush to avoid irritation.
3. Relieve mouth discomfort with a topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine
at least 1 hour before meals.
4. Apply cornstarch, nystatin powder, or dry padding in intertriginous
areas of obese patients to prevent irritation and candidal growth.
5. Record dates of I.V. catheter insertion and replace the catheter
according to hospital policy to prevent phlebitis.
6. Provide appropriate supportive care for patients with systemic
infections.
7. Prepare to give blood transfusions if ordered and if the patient has low
platelet count.
8. Frequently check the vital signs of a patient with systemic infection.
9. If you note a vaginal discharge, document the color and amount.
10.Carefully monitor intake and output and potassium levels while the
patient is receiving medications.
11.If the patient has renal involvement, carefully monitor blood urea
nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urine
12.Assess the patient with candidiasis for underlying systemic causes,
such as diabetes mellitus, infection, or immune dysfunction.
13.Demonstrate comprehensive oral hygiene practices, and have the
patient perform a return demonstration.
14.Recommend that the patient use alkaline mouth care products
because increased acidity promotes candidal growth.
15.Tell the patient whos using nystatin solution to swish it around in his
mouth for several minutes before swallowing.
16.Suggest a soft diet for the patient with severe dysphagia.
References: http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/fungal-infections/candidiasis
https://books.google.com.ph
http://nursingfile.com/
Prepared by: ALVEZA, MARJORIE A.
Prepared for PSU-CNHS, NCM 106A-1, Summer 2016