Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to fungi belonging to the genus Candida. The most frequent site of infection is the mouth. Candida primarily infects elderly debilitated persons or young children and may cause an acute respiratory infection and esophagitis. The eyelid, conjunctiva and cornea may become infected. Candida may infect the eye and its adnexal structures and cause keratitis, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, endophthalmitis, and dacryocystitis . Candida sp. is a rare cause of chronic dacryocystitis and conjunctivitis. Conjunctival candidiasis with scarring and keloid formation has complicated strabismus surgery. Candidiasis of the conjunctiva and cornea occur in persons who are anergic in delayed hypersensitivity reactions [hypersensivity - delayed type] and in the APECED syndrome. Candida may elaborate a heat-stable toxin capable of producing a follicular conjunctivitis [conjunctivitis - follicular].