Moniliasis, also known as candidiasis, is an infection caused by Candida albicans yeast. It can cause white patches and foul-smelling discharge in areas like the mouth, genitals, and body folds. Treatment includes medication and natural remedies like yogurt. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Recurring infections may indicate an underlying medical problem.
Moniliasis is another term for candidiasis, an infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, specifically C. albicans. This term refers to the former genus name Candida, Monilia, and people may also use terms like “thrush” to refer to the same infection. Treatments are available to manage moniliasis, and in some cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to manage complex or co-occurring infections, especially if they have underlying health problems.
These yeasts are naturally present in and around the body in most people. In individuals with compromised immune systems, they can exploit weaknesses to begin growing in large numbers, creating fungal colonies. In patients with moniliasis, white hairy patches may appear around the infected area, and the patient may develop a foul-smelling discharge caused by yeast metabolism. Common spots for infections include the mouth, genitals, and body folds.
Often, a quick physical exam is sufficient to identify moniliasis in a patient, although a culture may be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Drugs to kill the yeast may be prescribed, and patients may also use natural measures such as eating yogurt to control the growth of bacteria by increasing the number of beneficial organisms in the body. These organisms will create a more acidic environment, killing the fragile Candida yeasts. Regular consumption of yogurt with active cultures may also help reduce the risk of developing moniliasis in the first place.
In some patients, this infection can become very stubborn. People with tuberculosis, AIDS and other causes of severe immunocompromise are at greater risk, as their bodies cannot help fight the infection. In these patients, the yeast may continue to grow and spread, causing pain and irritation. Aggressive medications may be required to control their growth, and the infection may recur when the patient stops the medications.
Many people develop mild moniliasis at some point in their lives, particularly in the case of sexually active individuals. It is usually very treatable if caught early, and people can complete the treatment at home without fear of further complications. If your infection doesn’t respond to your prescribed medications, you may need to get a more thorough evaluation or switch medications. Patients with a history of yeast infections should make sure their doctors are aware of them, as recurring infections can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs to be treated.
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