Question

Moniliasis is one of the most common opportunistic diseases in AIDS patients. What is the etiological agent of moniliasis and what is the other name for the disease? Why is monilia also common in healthy newborns?

Answer 1

The etiological agent of moniliasis is Candida albicans, a fungus. Moniliasis is also known as mucocutaneous candidiasis. A candida infection of the skin appears as a clearly defined patch of red, itchy skin, often leaking fluid. In AIDS moniliasis can complicate and turn into systemic candidiasis, affecting many organs.

Newborns do not yet have their immune system working with complete efficiency and thus they are more susceptible to candidiasis that generally appears in mouth and in the genital mucosae and disappears naturally.

Treatment and Prevention:

Except in rare cases the Candidiasis is not normally a dangerous disease and when it enters the blood and spreads to vital organs of people with weakened immune systems.