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Line 1: − *Caused by [[Fungi|''Candida'' spp.]]+ − *Noramlly present on skin and in [[Alimentary - Anatomy & Physiology|GI tract]]+ − *Immunocompromised animals may show symptoms+ − *Usually lesions on mucous membranes and at mucocutaneous junctions+ − *Grossly:+ − + − + − *Microscopically:+ − **Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular inflammation+ − + − + − **Superficial exudate containing organisms+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
→Clinical Signs
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==Introduction==
[[File:C albicans germ tubes.jpg|200px|right|thumb|''Candida'' spp]]
Candidiasis is a '''fungal infection''' caused by [[Candida spp.|''Candida'' spp.]], most commonly '''''Candida ablicans''''' that affects many species.
**Exudative, papular, pustular to ulcerative dermatitis
The yeast is normally present on '''skin''' and in the [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|GI tract]]. Symptoms of disease are usually only seen in '''immunocompromised''' animals following '''opportunistic''' infection. It is most common in the bird (see [[Candidiasis - Birds]]) but has also been reported in [[Candidiasis – Rabbit|rabbits]], horses, pigs, cows, sheep, cats and dogs - in particular neonates.
**Stomatitis and otitis externa may develop
==Clinical Signs==
Lesions are found on '''mucous membranes''' and at '''mucocutaneous junctions''' most commonly. The disease will usually remain '''localised''' to the mucocutaneous junctions, but on rare occasions it may spread '''systemically'''.
**Parakeratosis
**Ulcerations
Gross clinical signs include:
* '''Exudative''', '''papular''', '''pustular''' to '''ulcerative dermatitis'''
* '''Raised''', '''circular white plaques''' or '''ulcers''' with overlying '''scabs'''
* '''Keratinous thickening''' of tissue
* [[Stomatitis|'''Stomatitis''']] and [[Otitis Externa - Cat and Dog|'''otitis externa''']]
Microscopically there is evidence of:
*Spongiotic neutrophilic pustular [[Inflammation|'''inflammation''']]
*'''Parakeratosis'''
*'''Ulcerations'''
*Superficial [[Exudate|'''exudate''']] containing organisms
Infection may also cause a variety of '''other clinical signs''' depending on the '''species''' and the '''site of infection''', for example [[Mastitis|mastitis]], [[Arthritis|arthritis]], [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]] and general malaise.
==Predisposing factors==
* Immunosuppressive drugs
* Immunosuppressive disease
* Indwelling urinary or intravenous catheters
* Antibiotic administration
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis can be confirmed via '''microscopic examination''' and '''identification of the fungus''' following a '''skin scrape''' of the lesion. The fungus should be visible after staining with a Gram, Methylene Blue or Wrights stain. It is a '''gram-positive ovoid''', '''budding yeast''' with or without '''hyphae'''. '''Culture''' of a sample in Sabourauds Dextrose agar or Blood agar should also confirm diagnosis.
==Treatment==
'''Topical''' or '''systemic anti-fungals''' are used to treat the infection.
==Prognosis==
Prognosis depends on both the severity of infection and the animal affected.
<big><b>
Also see:
:[[Candidiasis - Birds|Candidiasis in Birds]]
:[[Candidiasis – Rabbit|Candidiasis in Rabbits]]
</b></big>
==References==
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''
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[[Category:Cutaneous Mycoses]]
[[Category:Expert Review]]