There are more than 20 various species of Candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans. Candida yeasts usually reside in the intestinal tract and are found on mucous membranes and skin without causing disease. However, overgrowth of these organisms can cause symptoms to develop; these symptoms vary depending on the part of the body that is infected.
Candida Albicans
It’s the most common species to cause yeast infections, responsible for about 50 percent of candidiasis occurrences. Candida Albicans is opportunistic in nature; it seizes any chance to overgrow and wreak havoc in different parts of your body if your immune system is low, or the good bacteria population is affected by antibiotics, or high-stress levels, or hormonal imbalance. If left untreated, its overgrowth can lead to infection via the bloodstream, resulting in various diseases.
Some of its symptoms include fatigue, bloating, flatulence, anxiety, depression, vaginitis, itchy skin, impaired memory, poor concentration. Treatments to reduce Candida Albicans overgrowth, includes antifungal medications, herbal /natural remedies and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
Candida Tropicalis
Candida tropicalis is responsible for nearly 30 percent of Candida bloodstream infections. Overgrowth occurs typically in the gastrointestinal tract and on the skin of people infected with diabetes leukemia and lymphomas mellitus causing an array of issues including diarrhea, excessive gas, abdominal cramps. The skin irritations associated with this infection include constant itching, hives, and eczematous rashes. It’s also one of the causes of vaginal candidiasis, with symptoms like intense vaginal itching, abnormal watery discharge, urinal pains, redness and swelling of the outer genitals. Overgrowth can also cause nervous system disorders resulting in depression, anxiety, memory loss.
Though Candida tropicalis is not as aggressive as Candida albicans, it has higher tendency to resist antifungal drugs such as Flucytosine, making it a bit difficult to treat.
Candida glabrata
Candida glabrata infections have increased over the years; it causes about 30 percent of yeast infections. Candida glabrata can cause oral thrush, which appears as creamy white lesions in the mouth. This infection can result in fever if it spreads beyond the esophagus resulting in a difficulty in swallowing. Thrush can affect anyone with immune deficiencies, toddlers and older adults. Without being treated, thrush can spread to other parts of the body including the lungs and liver.
Treatment includes various antifungal agents combined with supplements, nutritional and lifestyle changes
Candida Parapsilosis
Candida parapsilosis is responsible for approximately 30 percent of Candida infections, notably nail, tissue infections, and fungal blood infection. Candida parapsilosis causes flu-like symptoms such as chronic fatigue and systemic diseases, mostly in immune-impaired people. It has high resistance to antimicrobial drugs, which is a significant concern. As with this species of Candida, a comprehensive treatment approach is necessary to regain good health.
Candida Krusei
Candida krusei accounts for about 1% of candidiasis and is usually associated with infant diarrhea and sometimes systemic candidiasis. Although it’s resistant to Fluconazole, Candida krusei can be treated successfully with antifungal medications such as Amphotericin B with a holistic regimen.
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