Who Gets Candida?
There is little doubt that the single most widespread cause of candidiasis is the indiscriminate administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In addition to their desired effect, they also kill off commensal (resident) bacteria in the gut. This flora is vital for optimum health and proper gut function. A reduction leads to the overgrowth and increased pathogenicity of other micro-organisms such as the Candida species. A number of other factors also seem to predispose an individual to Candida infections. In cancer patients, especially those who have had chemotherapy, fungal infections have always been a major problem. A similar effect is seen in HIV patients who not only suffer recurrent Candida albicans infections but infection with other species such as Candida krusei and Candida glabrata, which can often be more resistant to antifungal therapy. Immunodeficiency associated with long-term debilitating illness may also be accompanied by such infections, such as the chronic fatigue synd
