A fungal infection caused by overgrowth of the yeast Candida (usually Candida albicans) in moist areas of the body. Candidiasis can affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, and anus.
In people with HIV, candidiasis of the bronchi, trachea, lungs, or esophagus is an AIDS-defining condition.
In neutropenic patients, systemic candidiasis and candidemia can also result.

Treatment:
Varies depending on the site of infection and on whether the patient is neutropenic or not.

In general the agents used are:
• topical antifungals like clotrimazole, econazole, ciclopirox, miconazole, ketoconazole, nystatin
• systemic antifungals shown to be effective for the treatment of candidiasis comprise 4 major categories:
- the polyenes (AmB-d, L-AmB, AmB lipid complex [ABLC], and AmB colloidal dispersion [ABCD])
- the triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole)
- the echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin)
- flucytosine

See reference for details.

See also Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Candidiasis: 2009 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Pappas P et al. A Clinical practice guidelines for the management of candidiasis: 2009 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2009 Mar 1;48(5):503-35.
AIDSinfo. Education materials. Glossary. Glossary. Internet. Accessed August 7, 2009.