Question

Antibiotic Overkill A young woman was taking antibiotic pills for a urinary infection. Several days into her course of medication, she began to experience peculiar symptoms. At first, they were hardly noticeable. Very quickly, however, they worsened and became embarrassing and unbearable. She noticed a white coating on her tongue, bad breath, and an awful taste in her mouth. Despite persistent brushing and mouthwash applications, she was unable to completely remove the film. Furthermore, she had excessive vaginal discharges consisting of a cheeselike white substance. When she began to have vaginal itching, she finally decided it was time to seek help. Reluctantly, she revisited her personal physician and described the symptoms. Her doctor explained the symptoms and provided additional prescriptions to alleviate her distress. What happened to the young woman in this situation? How had her body’s defenses been violated? How can she avoid a repeat of this situation?

Answer 1

Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection caused by Candida Albicans. The organism best grows in the basic pH. The given symptoms of the patient showed “oral thrush” caused by Candida Albicans.

Candida Albicans is a part of the normal microbiota of the pharynx, large intestine, skin, and genitalia (causes itching and white discharge). The organism can be held in check in healthy individuals, but it can invade into the tissues in immune-compromised patients, infants, and elderly, those receiving immune-suppressants, and pregnant women. Moist environment favors the fungal growth. Candidiasis is generally endogenous but can spread among the nurses, during sexual contact, through surgery, or during childbirth.

Antibiotics kill the natural microbiota in the GIT and urinary tract that prevent exessive growth of candida in healthy individuals. So, the broad-spectrum antibiotics that kill natural bacteria can cause candidiasis as an adverse effect. The discontinuation of antibiotic generally restore the normal microbiota and thus, the symptoms of candidiasis. It can be avoided by unnecessary antibiotic use or using a more specific antibiotic against the pathogen.