The opportunistic pathogenic fungus Candida spp. is the main etiological agent of candidiasis, which is the most common human fungal infection. Candidiasis shows unacceptably high mortality rates, which reflect the many shortcomings of current antifungal therapy. Currently, Creative Biolabs offers a wide variety of high-quality services to discover new drug candidates for the treatment of Candida infections in the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Candida Infections of the Mouth, Throat, and Esophagus
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a type of fungus named Candida. Candida normally exists in the digestive tract and on skin without causing any infections. However, it can sometimes multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth. Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also known as “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis, while candidiasis in the esophagus is called Candida esophagitis or esophageal candidiasis. Esophageal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in patients living with HIV/AIDS. What’s more, patients who are compromised by radiation treatments, antibiotic therapy, or corticosteroid treatment, have a higher risk of suffering candidiasis.
Symptoms
Candida infections in the mouth and throat may have several different symptoms as follows:
The symptoms of esophageal candidiasis include dry mouth, pain or discomfort when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, chest pain, etc. Also, white lesions will exist on the lining of the esophagus which may look like cottage cheese.
Testing and Diagnosis
Candidiasis in the mouth or throat can be diagnosed simply by observing inside. Sometimes, a small sample from the mouth or throat may be taken to have a laboratory examination for positive identification, usually to be examined under a microscope. Candidiasis in the esophagus is usually diagnosed by doing an endoscopic exam. An endoscopic exam is a method to examine the digestive tract using a tube with a light and a camera, which can also be lowered into the patients’ stomach or intestines to check the extent of the infection.
Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis
Antifungal drugs are important for the treatment and control of candidiasis, and antifungal therapy can be either systemic or topical. Topical antifungal drugs can be used directly to the oral lesions as a dissolving lozenge or in a liquid wash. Infections that are resistant to those agents, or that have already disseminated, can be treated with IV medications.
Esophageal thrush usually warrants systemic antifungal therapy using an antifungal medication. Infections that are slightly more severe can be treated intravenously by an antifungal medication. Patients with late-stage HIV/AIDS might need stronger medication, such as amphotericin B.
Antifungal Drug Discovery for Invasive Candidiasis at Creative Biolabs
Creative Biolabs is committed to enabling success across a wide range of therapeutic areas and biological target classes. We are one of the world leading CROs in the field of fungal infection disease and antifungal drug discovery. Our experienced scientists can assist you in preclinical drug through a variety of assays including:
Our scientists are committed to providing our worldwide client with a comprehensive service package, ranging from target identification and validation, Hit identification, Hit to lead, to Lead optimization and IND enabling. In addition to Candida infections in the mouth, throat, and esophagus, we also provide drug discovery services against other types of candidiasis as well as Candida spp., which are as follows:
If you are interested in our antifungal drug discovery services, please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.
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