Candidiasis

Question 1

Candidiasis, commonly known as thrush is NOT an STI. What is candidiasis caused by?

1 - bacterial infection
2 - viral infection
3 - fungal infection
4 - parasitic infection

Answer 1

3 - fungal infection

Question 2

Which of the following are the most common causes of Candidiasis, commonly known as thrush?

1 - Candida albicans
2 - Candida glabrata
3 - Aspergillosis
4 - Pneumocystis pneumonia

Answer 2

1 - Candida albicans
- accounts for 80-92% of cases

Question 3

Although Candidiasis, commonly known as thrush can cause a variety of symptoms, what patient of women can have detectable levels of Candidiasis, but remain asymptomatic?

1 - 1-2%
2 - 10-20%
3 - 20-30%
4 - >40%

Answer 3

2 - 10-20%

• typically presents in 30-40 year olds

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for Candidiasis, commonly known as thrush?

1 - diabetes mellitus
2 - drugs: antibiotics, steroids
3 - pregnancy
4 - immunosuppression: HIV, iatrogenic
5 - gender

Answer 4

5 - gender
- essentially any thing that dampens the immune system

Question 5

Candidiasis, commonly known as thrush typically causes inflammation and of the vulva and vagina. Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of Candidiasis?

1 - Intramenstrul bleeding
2 - Vulval itching/soreness
3 - Vaginal discharge (thick curd-like discharge)
4 - Superficial dyspareunia
5 - External dysuria

Answer 5

1 - Intramenstrul bleeding

Question 6

Candidiasis, commonly known as thrush typically causes inflammation and of the vulva and vagina. Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical sign of Candidiasis?

1 - Vulval/vaginal erythema
2 - Fissuring
3 - Vulval oedema
4 - Thick, adherent, non-offensive discharge
5 - Chancre on vulva
6 - Normal vaginal pH

Answer 6

5 - Chancre on vulva

Question 7

Typically Candidiasis is diagnosed clinically, however, if it is cultured using gram staining, what culture is typically required?

1 - chocolate agar
2 - macConkey agar
3 - cetrimide agar
4 - sabouraud’s agar

Answer 7

4 - sabouraud’s agar

• spores and pseudohyphae detected in 65-68% of symptomatic cases
• nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) will soon be the treatment of choice

Question 8

Treatment for candidiasis is typically through general advice relating to avoiding local irritants (soaps, shower gels etc) and tight-fitting/synthetic clothing. However, if medication is used, what is the 1st line medication?

1 - Clotrimazole 500mg pessary /1% cream
2 - Ceftriaxone 1g pessary /1% cream
3 - Doxycycline 500mg pessary /1% cream
4 - Metronidazole 1g pessary /1% cream

Answer 8

1 - Clotrimazole 500mg pessary /1% cream
- classed as a topical Tpical anti-fungal

• Fluconazole 150mg single dose, which is an oral anti-fungal can also be used and is patient dependent