Candida Infection: Is Thrush Contagious?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is primarily caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans. There are also strains of this fungus like Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata and Candida krusei. This candidal infection, commonly known as thrush, can occur on any mucosal surface in the body. This includes the oral cavity, the vagina and the intestine. However, candidiasis does not occur in a systemic mode, unless the person is an immunocompromised state. Thus, candida infections manifest in primarily two ways:

1. Vaginal Candidiasis
2. Oral Candidiasis

How does Thrush Occur?

As far as oral thrush is concerned, the causative organism, that is Candida albicans is present in the oral cavity and in other mucosal areas, as it is a part of the normal flora. Its presence is necessary, as it restricts the growth of other bacteria in the mouth. However, when it starts multiplying rapidly, then candida yeast infection is visible in the mouth as oral thrush, and on the vagina as vaginal thrush. Vaginal thrush is mostly caused due to an immunocompromised state of the body. Oral thrush can occur due to a variety of reasons like poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, or low T cell count in the body, which is seen in immune system diseases. Also infants, whose immune system hasn't yet fully developed, are at an added risk of contracting candidiasis. So the questions plaguing everyone is: Is thrush contagious? Is oral thrush contagious?

How Contagious is Thrush?

Oral Thrush Contagiousness: The answer to this question of how contagious is thrush is very simple. Thrush is normally seen as an opportunistic infection. Hence, for most people, thrush is not contagious. It may become transmissible only if a person has an immunocompromising disease like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, mellitus, etc. In that case, one does become susceptible to contracting candidiasis, when there is contact with a person who has the disease, thus, making oral thrush contagious in these cases. As for how long is thrush contagious, a person is at a risk of contracting the disease till he is in an immunocompromised state. Also, dentists that work on patients need to be careful to always use hand gloves and masks to minimize risk of transmission. An open cut or wound on the hand could be an easy portal for the fungus. Also, if a person is immunocompromised, chances of spread of candidiasis after contraction are high, as it can spread through blood to other organs, and can be fatal in some cases.

Vaginal Thrush Contagiousness: When it comes to vaginal thrush contagiousness, if a person indulges in oral sex with a person suffering from vaginal thrush, the chances of contracting oral thrush are high. Hence, since vaginal thrush is primarily a sexually transmitted disease, it is best to avoid indulging in sexual activity till the disease subsides completely, as not only is a person at a high risk of thrush contagiousness, but it could lead to severe irritation and pain for the person already suffering from it.

Treatment of Thrush: Thrush is a simple disease to treat and it often completely subsides by use of topical or systemic antifungal drugs and creams. In certain severe cases, when candidiasis becomes systemic, like in candidal endocarditis or candidal meningitis, the treatment involves the use of intra venous drugs along with heavy use of anti-biotics.

Prevention of Candida Infection

• Certain people are susceptible to thrush, which can occur due to trigger factors like eating too much of refined food, metal poisoning, sudden sugar fluctuations, high fever, etc. Such people should avoid these trigger factors
• Dentists should take extra care and use protective wear while dealing with patients suffering from candidiasis
• Avoid having multiple sexual partners
• If a person has an ill-fitting dentuare, he should get a new one made as soon as possible, as there is not only added risk of candidiasis, but there may also be temporomandibular joint disorders that may occur
• Smokers are at added risk of contracting candidiasis and hence, should try to quit smoking
• Prolonged antibiotic therapy increases the risk of super infections like candidiasis, hence, one should try alternative treatment options if he is one antibiotic therapy for long
• Best form of prevention would include practicing regular hand washing and maintaining proper oral and body hygiene

Hence, the question of is thrush contagious cannot be answered by a simple yes or no. Iit is still a highly debatable topic, with most doctors vehemantly saying no, while a few claim yes. However, in most cases, thrush contagiousness chances are low. But immunocompromised people and dentists are at an added risk of contracting the disease and hence, should take extra precautions to ensure that it is not passed on.