Untreated yeast infection

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Untreated Yeast Infections: Risks and Implications

Overview of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections, primarily caused by Candida species, are common fungal infections that can affect various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal, urinary, and respiratory tracts. Candida albicans is the most prevalent species, but non-albicans species like Candida glabrata and Candida krusei are also significant, especially due to their resistance to common antifungal treatments .

Emerging Opportunistic Yeast Infections

The rise in immunocompromised patients has led to an increase in opportunistic yeast infections. Non-albicans Candida species, such as Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, are becoming more common and often exhibit resistance to azole antifungal therapy . Other rare yeasts, including Trichosporon, Rhodotorula, and Malassezia, are also emerging as significant pathogens, particularly in severely immunosuppressed individuals 136. These infections are challenging to diagnose and treat, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach .

Risks of Untreated Yeast Infections

Untreated yeast infections can lead to severe complications, especially in immunocompromised patients. For instance, Trichosporon species are the second most common cause of fungaemia in patients with hematological malignancies and are associated with poor prognosis due to their resistance to amphotericin and echinocandins . Similarly, Rhodotorula species can cause catheter-related fungaemia, sepsis, and invasive disease in severely immunosuppressed patients .

Diagnostic Challenges

Diagnosing yeast infections can be complex. Traditional cultures of blood and other sterile sites are commonly used, but they may not always be effective. Serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan testing can serve as an adjunctive diagnostic tool . The diagnosis of candidiasis, in particular, can be complicated due to its multifactorial nature and the variety of causal factors involved .

Treatment and Management

The treatment of yeast infections, especially those caused by rare or resistant species, is often suboptimal. For example, amphotericin B-resistant yeast infections are a significant concern in severely immunocompromised patients, leading to high mortality rates . The choice of antifungal treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's immune status, the specific yeast species involved, and its susceptibility pattern .

Conclusion

Untreated yeast infections pose significant risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. The increasing incidence of non-albicans Candida species and other rare yeasts, coupled with their resistance to common antifungal treatments, underscores the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to managing these infections and improving patient outcomes.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Emerging opportunistic yeast infections.

Rare yeasts are emerging as opportunistic human pathogens, with diagnosis challenging and treatment suboptimal in immunosuppressed patients.

Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2011·

751citations

·M. Miceli et al.

Candidiasis: Predisposing Factors, Prevention, Diagnosis and Alternative Treatment

Predisposition factors, prevention, and alternative treatments are crucial for treating candidiasis, with prevention being the most effective treatment and daily routines providing strength protection.

Highly Cited

2014·

239citations

·N. Martins et al.

Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of rare yeast infections: an initiative of the ECMM in cooperation with ISHAM and ASM.

This guideline provides consensus recommendations for diagnosing and managing rare yeast infections, aiding clinical decision-making.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2021·

109citations

·S. Chen et al.

Serologic studies on North American blastomycosis; studies with soluble antigens from untreated and sonic-treated yeast-phase cells of Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Sonic-treated yeast-phase cells of Blastomyces dermatitidis can produce a more specific antigen for blastomycosis diagnosis, with potential implications for immunological reactions in systemic fungus infections.

In Vitro Study

1953·

32citations

·D. S. Martin

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Recent years have seen significant advances in understanding vaginal yeast infection pathophysiology and global burden, with improvements in antifungal therapeutic innovation research.

Systematic Review

2019·

4citations

·M. Blaganje et al.

ESCMID and ECMM joint clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of rare invasive yeast infections.

This paper provides guidelines for diagnosing and managing rare invasive yeast infections, focusing on microbiological investigation and antifungal susceptibility testing.

Highly Cited

2014·

449citations

·M. Arendrup et al.

Amphotericin B-resistant yeast infection in severely immunocompromised patients.

Yeast fungemia in severely immunocompromised patients often occurs due to organisms resistant to usual concentrations of amphotericin B, which is clinically significant.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

1988·

223citations

·W. Powderly et al.

Changing epidemiology of systemic fungal infections.

The epidemiology of systemic fungal infections is evolving, with emerging pathogens like Zygomycetes, Fusarium spp., and Scedosporium spp. requiring individualized antifungal treatment based on patient characteristics and pathogen susceptibility patterns.

Highly Cited

2008·

507citations

·Malcolm D. Richardson et al.

Pathogenicity of Non-albicans Yeasts in the Vagina

Non-albicans yeasts found on vaginal swabs can probably be ignored, and clinicians should focus on making a correct diagnosis rather than treating them as pathogenic.

Observational Study

2011·

10citations

·G. Dennerstein et al.

Five-year evaluation of bloodstream yeast infections in a tertiary hospital: the predominance of non-C. albicans Candida species.

Non-C. albicans Candida species are responsible for 82% of bloodstream yeast infections in a tertiary hospital, with fluconazole resistance in 19% of cases, highlighting the need for continuous surveillance and treatment strategies.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2010·

78citations

·G. H. Pereira et al.

Try another search

how do you detect a black hole

can you have a heart attack and not know it

high diastolic blood

how much protein should i eat to lose weight

relief for sciatic

melatonin tablets