PERIANAL CANDIDIASIS CAUSED BY CANDIDA ALBICANS

Abstract

Background: Candidiasis or candidosis is an infection caused by fungi of the Candida genus, primarily Candida albicans (C. albicans). Perianal candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs around the anus. This infection is usually caused by Candida fungi, with the species Candida albicans being the most common cause. However, in recent years, Candida non-albicans (CNAC) has increasingly been identified as a causative agent of candidiasis, including in the perianal area. The uniqueness of perianal candidiasis caused by Candida non-albicans includes: (i) Different patterns of antifungal resistance: CNAC species often have different antifungal resistance patterns compared to Candida albicans, which can complicate treatment selection; (ii) More diverse clinical manifestations: Infections caused by CNAC may exhibit a broader range of clinical manifestations than those caused by Candida albicans, making diagnosis more challenging; and (iii) Different epidemiology: CNAC species distribution may vary depending on geographic location and environment, meaning the incidence patterns of candidiasis caused by CNAC may also differ.

Perianal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis are two common types of fungal infections, particularly in women. Although both are caused by the same Candida genus, their incidence rates and associated risk factors may differ. Perianal candidiasis is not uncommon, particularly in individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, prolonged antibiotic use, or weakened immune systems. Symptoms of perianal candidiasis are often nonspecific and can overlap with other skin conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis. Perianal and vulvovaginal candidiasis frequently occur simultaneously. Infection in one area can easily spread to the other, particularly if personal hygiene is not well-maintained.

Objectives: To analyze clinical manifestations, including: identifying the most common and specific symptoms of perianal candidiasis, such as itching, redness, rash, and pain; severity level, which involves assessing the severity of the infection and its impact on the patient’s quality of life; complications, specifically identifying possible complications from the infection, such as spread to other areas or secondary infections; identifying pathogenesis factors and mechanisms of infection, specifically understanding how Candida albicans infects the skin around the anus and causes symptoms; and virulence factors, identifying the factors that make Candida albicans pathogenic and disease-causing.

The case study in this research reports on a 47-year-old woman with perianal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans species.

Benefits: Accurate and faster diagnosis of perianal candidiasis, selection of the most appropriate and effective treatment for each patient, assistance in developing effective preventive strategies to reduce the disease burden, and enriching knowledge of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management of perianal candidiasis.

Conclusion: Clinical manifestations, specifically, the most common symptoms are itching, redness, rash, and pain around the anus. However, symptom severity may vary among individuals. Prevention, such as maintaining perianal hygiene, controlling underlying medical conditions, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. Patterns of antimicrobial resistance: some studies may indicate an increase in Candida albicans resistance to certain antifungal medications.