iCliniq Logo
HomeHealth articlesUrologyfungal infection
Infectious Diseases

Urinary Candidiasis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Verified data
0

3 min read

Share

Outline

Urinary candidiasis is the most common nosocomial fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Read the article to know more.

Written byDr. Kavya

Medically reviewed byDr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil

Published At December 26, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 30, 2024

Introduction

Urinary candidiasis is a nosocomial fungal infection that frequently occurs worldwide. The condition is primarily caused by Candida albicans and other Candida species, the most opportunistic pathogenic fungi that lead to nosocomial urinary tract infections. Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans are significant components of the normal microbial flora of the oral cavity, vagina, and alimentary canal in a wide range of healthy individuals. These species colonize the external parts of the urethral openings in healthy and premenopausal women. Immunosuppression causes an imbalance in the non-Candida albicans candida, C.albicans, and other flora. During this, the commensal yeasts of Candida may convert into opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms, causing candidal urinary tract infections in the host. Therefore, this article discusses urinary candidiasis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Are the Types of Candida Albicans Infection?

There are three types of Candida albicans infections, such as:

  • Spheroid.

  • Ovoid shape of single-celled budding yeast.

  • Loose septate pseudohyphae with an elongated ellipsoid appearance of the hyphae.

Research studies show that yeast cells and true hyphae are mainly responsible for urinary tract infections and candidiasis. The invasive type of fungus is the filamentous type of Candida albicans seen in solid tissues, such as kidneys, which can produce proteases.

What Are the Factors Responsible for Urinary Candidiasis?

The predisposing factors include:

  • Age.

  • Gender.

  • An extended period of antibiotic consumption.

  • Genetic inheritance.

  • Sexual activity of the individual.

  • Diabetes (high blood sugar).

  • Immunosuppression.

  • AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

  • Pregnancy.

  • Surgeries.

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure).

  • Hospitalization.

  • Indwelling medical devices, such as prostheses or catheters.

  • Malnutrition.

  • Low-level individual hygiene.

  • Social behaviors.

  • Unsuitable air conditioning.

Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans are detected in urine, and candiduria is seen in symptomatic and asymptomatic urinary tract infections. Urinary candidiasis has a high morbidity rate and a low mortality rate.

How Do Individuals Acquire Urinary Candidiasis?

  • People can acquire urinary candidiasis from yeast growth that is common in the vagina and is usually seen in moist or dark areas.

  • Additionally, wearing nylon undergarments, tight-fitting clothes, and skin folds provides a suitable environment for yeast growth.

  • Urinary candidiasis can also occur when the normal flora is disrupted by proliferating yeast growth or when there are hormone fluctuations, usually seen in women taking control pills or during pregnancy.

What Is Candiduria?

Candiduria is classified into symptomatic and asymptomatic forms. Symptomatic candiduria is seen in individuals with cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), epididymo orchitis (testicles or epididymo becomes inflamed), prostatitis (prostate gland pain due to inflammation), pyelonephritis (a type of kidney infection), and renal (kidney) candidiasis. The condition is often caused by Candida albican compared to other 200 candida species. Additionally, catheterization is also a significant risk factor for candiduria in people who get admitted to the intensive care unit. The prevalence is much higher in ICU-admitted individuals.

What Are the Most Common Species of Candida?

The most common species of Candida are as follows:

  • Candida albicans.

  • Candida glabrata.

  • Candida tropicalis.

  • Individuals with candiduria do not show any clinical demonstrations or abnormalities.

Candida Cystitis and Pyelonephritis: Candida species invasion may also affect the urinary bladder and cause candiduria. Candida cystitis is recognized by symptoms, such as dysuria (painful urination), high urine frequency, and hematuria (blood in urine). Candida pyelonephritis may lead to sepsis (improper body response to infections) and candiduria if left untreated.

Candidal Balanitis and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Candidal balanitis is a sexually transmitted disease; most of the time, both partners are affected. Candidal balanitis usually affects men, and vulvovaginal candidiasis (a type of fungal infection that causes overgrowth of yeast candida) affects women. Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects almost 75 percent of women and can be easily treated. These diseases correspond with sexual activities, individual hygiene, and social behaviors.

It is commonly seen in Brazil, the USA, Northeast Africa, and Australia. Some studies have reported a higher incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in older women, and the species affecting it is Candida glabrata. Over time, there has been an increase in antifungal drug-resistant strains. Therefore, it is mandatory to control the prevalence of the infection.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Candiduria?

The symptoms of candiduria or fungal UTI (urinary tract infection) include:

  • Dysuria.

  • Urinary urgency.

  • Increased urinary frequency.

  • Suprapubic pain.

  • Hematuria.

  • Urethral obstruction due to fungal balls.

How Is Urinary Candidiasis Diagnosed?

  • Before the diagnostic procedure, checking if the urine sample is infected or contaminated is essential. There are no rapid tests for detecting urinary candidiasis; however, a step-by-step approach is used for differential urinary candidiasis. The tests are repeated to ensure accuracy in determining whether the urine culture results are positive.

  • Candiduria usually gets confirmed at 103 to 105 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter (ml). Therefore, if a person is catheterized, the catheter must be cultured regularly to rule out the condition.

  • Additionally, urinary candidiasis is also diagnosed through urine or vaginal samples.

  • Clinical manifestations or symptoms help differentiate upper and lower urinary tract candidiasis.

What Is the Treatment of Urinary Candidiasis?

Urinary candidiasis treatment is done with oral and topical antifungal drugs that are commercially available. Depending on the type of infection, cystitis, candiduria, pyelonephritis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and candidal balanitis may have different antifungal medications. Azole helps in the inhibition of lanosterol 14-β-demethylase activity.

The enzyme helps destroy fungal cell membranes. Candiduria is treated based on microscopic findings and culture results. Individuals with high risks are administered oral Fluconazole. If the individual is resistant to Fluconazole, they are administered Amphotericin B. In asymptomatic cases, Amphotericin B may be combined with Flucytosine.

Conclusion

Urinary candidiasis is the most common fungal infection caused by Candida albican agent. The condition can be treated with antifungal therapy, but it also increases the risk of developing drug resistance. However, complications can be avoided with early detection and timely treatment.

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Frequently Asked Questions

Candida, or yeast, is the most common cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Candida can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the bladder, where it can cause irritation and inflammation. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing a UTI due to Candida include diabetes, frequent antibiotic use, and weakened immune systems.
UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, while candidiasis is an overgrowth of the yeast Candida, usually in the digestive system or vagina. UTI causes burning with urination, an urgent need to urinate, and a cloudy appearance of the urine, whereas candidiasis can cause irritation, itching, and unusual discharge. UTI is usually treated with antibiotics, whereas candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications.
Yes, Candida in the urine can be a severe infection if left untreated. It can cause pain and burning sensations while urinating, as well as an increase in the frequency of urination. If a person experiences these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice immediately to prevent further complications.
A person has pain or burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, an unusual smell, or an increased frequency of urination. If they have Candida UTI., they may experience other symptoms such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and vaginal itching or discharge.
A Candida UTI is a urinary tract infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the bladder. It can occur when the body’s natural balance of bacteria and yeast is disturbed, allowing the yeast to take hold and spread. Risk factors include antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, an immunocompromised state, and poor hygiene.
Candidiasis, or yeast infection, is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Candida is naturally present in the human body and usually causes no issues. However, when it begins to overgrow, it can cause an infection which may be passed from person to person through sexual contact.
A urine culture test can confirm a yeast infection in the urine. This test will identify if yeast is present in the urine and, if so, the type of yeast present. If a yeast infection is suspected, the doctor may also take a swab sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Yes, a urine test can detect the presence of Candida, which is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Urine tests often diagnose urinary tract infections, which Candida can cause.
Candida in urine can present as white, clumpy, or cloudy particles that may look like small pieces of thread. It may also appear as an abnormal color or odor in the urine.
Urinary Candida is usually treated with antifungal medications such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and Nystatin. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment can range from a single dose to multiple doses taken over several days. Doctors may sometimes recommend additional therapies, such as antibiotics or topical creams, to help treat the infection.
No, candidiasis cannot be clear and should be treated promptly to avoid further complications. Without treatment, candidiasis can spread to other parts of the body and become more challenging to treat.
The time it takes for candidiasis to go away depends on the type of infection and the treatment plan. Sometimes, a single dose of medication may resolve the infection. Other cases may require several weeks of antifungal medications or lifestyle changes.
Candidiasis can cause severe health issues, including urinary tract infections, sepsis, and fungal meningitis if left untreated. It can also lead to a weakened immune system, organ damage, and tissue death.
Candidiasis can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, such as taking antibiotics, having unprotected sex, or having a weakened immune system. Additionally, it is crucial to practice good hygiene and wear breathable clothing. Eating a healthy diet with probiotics and avoiding sugary foods may also help prevent the development of candidiasis.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil from iCliniq
Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil

Urology

Consult this doctor

Rate this article

Tags:

fungal infectioncandida infectionurinary candidiasis

Related topics

Why is there a burning sensation in my vagina?

Is the burning sensation around the pelvic region accompanied by whitish cheese-like discharge and pelvic pain due to some serious disorder?

I have severe redness in vagina along with itching. Why is it?

Sediment In Urine - Causes and Treatment

Does having a watery and creamy vaginal discharge after protected sex indicate pregnancy?

I have red rashes encircled with white patches on the glans and foreskin. What could it be?

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Urology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.