CANDIDIASIS

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Causative Agent(s)

It is caused by species of the yeast-like fungus Candida, most commonly C. albicans. Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the nasopharynx, GI tract, and external genitalia of many species of animals and is opportunistic in causing disease. Factors associated with Candida infections are disruption of mucosal integrity; indwelling, intravenous, or urinary catheters; administration of antibiotics; and immunosuppressive drugs or diseases.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Signs are variable and nonspecific and may be associated more with the primary or predisposing conditions than with the candidiasis itself. Gross lesions of the skin and mucosae are generally single or multiple, raised, circular, white masses covered with scabs. The organism can penetrate keratinized epithelium and cause marked keratinous thickening of the mucosae of the tongue, oesophagus, and rumen. Calves with fore stomach candidiasis have watery diarrhoea, anorexia, and dehydration, with gradual progression to prostration and death.

Diagnostic Considerations

Examination of scrapings or biopsy specimens from muco-cutaneous lesions.

Management and Treatment

• Oral or cutaneous candidiasis: Nystatin ointment or topical application of amphotericin B or 1% iodine solution.
• Systemic Candidiasis: g., ketoconazole, fluconazole
• ketoconazole 5-10 mg/kg PO, q12h for 3-6 months