Penis and scrotum - Fungal infections

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Penis and scrotum

Infectious disorders

Fungal infections

Reviewers: Antonio Cubilla, M.D. and Alcides Chaux, M.D. (see Author/Reviewers page)

Revised: 17 February 2010, last major update February 2010

Clinical features

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● Symptoms are often itching or burning after sex (Genitourin Med 1997;73:394)

● In children, circumcision is associated with a marked reduction in yeast colonization (Mycoses 2009;52:49)

● Either superficial or deep:

● Superficial: usually Candida albicans or dermatophytes (spores often in keratinized epithelium), often spreads locally from groin

● Deep: rare, usually spreads to penis from other sites via blood

Candida albicans:

● Usually sexually transmitted, 15% of men are asymptomatic carriers, may reinfect women

● Patients are usually symptomatic if > 10 colories are grown from culture (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol [Epub ahead of print])

● Direct impression of glans on CHROMagar Candida medium is more sensitive than cotton swab of genital exudate, but still only 18% sensitive (Sex Transm Infect 2010;86:32)

Micro description (Histopathology)

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● In superficial infections, causative agent identifiable in keratinized, often parakeratotic, superficial epithelium

● Histochemical stains (PAS, GMS) are useful for highlighting the microorganism

End of Penis and scrotum > Infectious disorders > Fungal infections

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