Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder in which T lymphocytes malfunction.
Because the T lymphocytes malfunction, the body is less able to fight fungal infections, including yeast infections. The ability to fight other infections is not reduced. Infections with the Candida fungus (candidiasis (see Section 17, Chapter 197)) develop and persist, usually beginning during infancy but sometimes during early adulthood. The fungus may cause mouth infections (thrush) as well as infections of the scalp; skin; nails; and membranes lining the mouth, eyes, digestive tract, and reproductive tract. Severity varies: The disorder may affect one nail or cause a disfiguring rash that covers the face and scalp. Hair may fall out. Hepatitis and chronic lung disorders sometimes develop. Many people also have endocrine disorders, such as underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism).
Usually, the infections can be treated with an antifungal drug--nystatin or clotrimazole--applied to the skin. Severe infections, which are rare, require a stronger antifungal drug, such as itraconazole given by mouth. Usually, this disorder is chronic but does not affect lifespan.
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