Candida glabrata is a type of yeast naturally present in the human body, commonly residing on the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary areas. While typically harmless, an overgrowth can lead to various infections.
What is Candida Glabrata?
Candida glabrata is a species of yeast belonging to the Candida genus. Unlike Candida albicans, the most common cause of yeast infections, Candida glabrata is classified as a non-albicans Candida species. It is a commensal organism, meaning it normally lives in or on the human body without causing harm.
This yeast is considered an opportunistic pathogen. It can cause disease when conditions within the host are favorable for its overgrowth. These conditions often involve a disruption in the body’s natural balance or a weakened immune system. Candida glabrata primarily exists in a yeast form and does not typically form pseudohyphae, unlike some other Candida species.
Is Candida Glabrata a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
While Candida glabrata can be found in the genital area and may be transmitted during sexual activity, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Its presence in the genitourinary tract is often due to an imbalance in the body’s natural flora rather than exclusive sexual acquisition. Candida glabrata is primarily an opportunistic infection.
Factors such as prolonged antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, or a compromised immune system can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms, allowing Candida glabrata to overgrow and cause an infection. Although sexual contact can facilitate the transfer of Candida species, its opportunistic nature means its presence in a partner does not automatically imply sexual acquisition as the sole cause of infection. Therefore, while it can be associated with sexual activity, it differs from traditional STIs that are almost exclusively transmitted through sexual contact.
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors for Infection
Infections caused by Candida glabrata can manifest with various symptoms depending on the affected body part. In the genitourinary tract, common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, burning, irritation, and abnormal vaginal discharge, which may appear thick and white. For males, a genital infection (balanitis) might present as redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort on the tip of the penis. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida glabrata can lead to a frequent urge to urinate, a painful or burning sensation during urination, cloudy or blood-tinged urine, and lower abdominal discomfort.
Several risk factors predispose individuals to Candida glabrata overgrowth and subsequent infection. Prolonged or frequent antibiotic use can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria, allowing yeast to proliferate. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk due to elevated glucose levels, which can promote yeast growth. A weakened immune system, often seen in individuals with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, or organ transplant recipients, also increases susceptibility. Recent surgery, particularly involving medical devices like catheters, can also create an environment conducive to infection.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing a Candida glabrata infection involves a physical examination and laboratory tests. For suspected genitourinary infections, a swab may be taken for microscopic examination to identify yeast cells. A culture is often performed to specifically identify the Candida species to determine if Candida glabrata is the causative agent. Antifungal susceptibility testing is conducted to assess medication effectiveness against the specific strain.
Managing Candida glabrata infections can be more challenging compared to those caused by Candida albicans, as Candida glabrata often exhibits reduced susceptibility to common antifungal medications, particularly azoles like fluconazole. Treatment often involves different or stronger antifungal agents, such as echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin), as initial therapy. The duration of treatment ranges from 14 to 21 days, depending on the infection’s severity and location. Consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially for persistent or recurrent symptoms, or if the condition worsens.