Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

[Raeanne Dimick]

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder, is persistent or recurring infection with Candida (a fungus) due to malfunction of T cells (lymphocytes).

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis causes frequent or chronic fungal infections of the mouth, scalp, skin, and nails.
To diagnose the disorder, doctors examine a sample from the infected area under a microscope and do blood tests to check for the mutations that cause the immunodeficiency.
Antifungal drugs can usually control the infection, but they must be taken for a long time.

(See also Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders.)
Because T cells malfunction, the body is less able to fight fungal infections, including infection with Candida (candidiasis), a yeast. If other parts of the immune system (such as antibodies) are functioning, the body may still be able to fight against other infections. However, in some people with this disorder, antibodies also malfunction, making these people susceptible to other infections.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is due to a mutation in specific genes. Depending on which gene has the mutation, one or two mutations (one from each parent) may be needed to cause the disorder.