microbio exam 3

What conditions could predispose a woman to such frequent yeast infections?

Factors that change the hormone concentration or alter the normally acidic pH of the vagina favor overgrowth by C.albicans. Often these factors re unidentifiable, but diabetes mellitus, the use of birth control pills, or pregnancy can have this effect and predispose women to frequent yeast infections. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (for a diff infection) can diminish the normal bacterial population and lead to this condition. HIV infection can also lead to frequent yeast infections. A healthy T cell response is required to control C.albicans; when T cell numbers drop during HIV infection, the always-present yeast frequently overgrows the vaginal bacteria, resulting in symptoms. Recurrent yeast infection are often the first sign in women that they may have HIV

Should Jane continue to self-medicate for her yeast infection or should she see a doctor? Please explain

She should see a doctor, especially if she doesn't have any of the risk factors for increased susceptibility to yeast infections listed in answer 2. The physician should review her history, examine vaginal exudate for the presence of large numbers of yeast, and determine whether an HIV test should be performed Even in the absence of HIV infection, it is advisable for Jane to get physician care to ensure that she is treating the infection properly with over the counter medications

Are there any possible serious consequences of vaginal yeast infections?

Very rarely, and mainly in immunocompromised ppl, C.albicans infections of body surfaces can progress to bloodstream infections, which are very difficult to treat and often fatal.

What is the causative organism of vaginal yeast infections? Where is Jane "getting them from"?

Yeast infections are generally caused by Candida albicans. This fungus is normal flora in women during their childbearing years. The numbers of Candida are usually kept low by bacterial members of the normal flora, for whom the conditions of the normal vagina are more favorable. When conditions change, Candida can overgrow into numbers large enough to cause acute symptoms. So it is an endogenous or opportunistic infection

Where is Jane "getting them from"?

Candida is rarely transmitted via sexual contact. However, if a women experiences active infection her sexual partner may acquire the organism and pass it back to her. Remember, however, that Candida is a normal resident of the female vagina. So having it passed to her is not as important in this disease as is her own physiology, levels of normal bacteria, and state of immunity