Archive | Candida Treatment

Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections

Natural remedies for yeast infections overpower the popularity of over-the-counter drugs simply because they are easily accessible and economical. Candidiasis, the other term for yeast infection, come in many types.each and every one of them brings extreme discomfort and can be contagious if not dealt with properly.however, they can be easily cured with different ways of treatments, like medicinal, holistic and the natural approach.various Kinds of Yeast InfectionYeast Infection This happens with an overgrowth of the Candida fungi in specific areas of the body. This can be a result of a weak immune system, external factors or improper hygiene. to be able to determine the best natural remedies for yeast infections, you first need to check your lifestyle and see what changes you need to do to help solve the problem. Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis happens with abnormal growth of multiple organisms in the vagina resulting to natural bacteria imbalance. This infection is contagious and can be passed on to the partner during intercourse. possible causes include having more than one sexual partner, use of IUD birth control and scented douches. Trichomoniasis This disease is transmitted through sexual intercourse. This is especially hard to detect in men because it doesn’t show any visible symptoms. Atrophic Vaginitis Atrophic vaginitis is mainly caused by reduced levels of estrogen that usually happens after menopause. The burning pain and itching are results of the dryness of the vagina due to aging.The best Natural Home Remedies for Yeast InfectionsTo fight off the infection, the most effective option is to focus on probiotics. Increase your consumption on foods which are rich in probiotics, like specific cultured beverages and yogurt.Dietary change. There are specific foods which trigger the overgrowth of yeast. Being conscious of your diet and food intake is one of the best natural remedies for yeast infections. start eating healthy. Minimize sugar intake since yeast feeds on it. Eliminating sugar from your diet allows you to minimize your chances of infection. Avoid tight clothing and underwear. if you want to ease your discomfort and treat the infection, steer clear from tight clothing and underwear. This will allow the air to flow freely. also observe proper hygiene and change underwear every now and then. Don’t stay too long with a wet swimsuit or cloth on as the bacteria thrive on wet environment. Vitamin a and E.  When it comes to natural remedies, the best ones are those rich in Vitamin a and E. they can be inserted inside the vagina, applied topically or taken orally. Fight off the bacteria by eating foods loaded with Vitamin a and E. Tea Tree Oil, Pau D’arco and Garlic Suppositories. Herbal remedies are very effective remedies if your yeast infection problem is located in the vaginal area. Garlic for one is the most popular treatment around. The scent may be downright nasty for some, but it is proven to be highly effective. Simply peel a single clove and insert it inside the vagina and leave it there overnight. For tea tree oil and Pau D’arco, you can use a clean cotton swab, dab it on the solution and rub it gently on the affected area.The type of cure you choose would all depend on personal preference and reaction to the treatment. Just bear in mind that each individual reacts differently to various natural remedies for yeast infections. 

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Candida Treatment – What Antifungal, Probiotic, and Diets Do

This article is going to discuss about my opinion on candida treatment with antifungal, probiotic, and the diet, based on my experiences. I always looked forward to as severe a die off as I could get, I knew then that I was doing something right. There were times when I had to stop and rest, but I would pick up where I left off and suffer all over again, I don’t think this can be avoided entirely. At least it can be eased somewhat with the Molybdenum and enzymes. yes, the antifungals will become ineffective if one is used for too long, so keep yourself rotating them.

The antifungals are important, but they will not give a lasting cure until the friendly bacteria is back to levels that will keep the candida under control. Taking antifungals is like cutting weeds off at the ground, they will be back again and again. Antifungals are good only for lightening the load of candida until the probiotics can take over. let the bacteria be your main focus.

Primal Defense did this for me. However, I have heard some people say it didn’t work for them. My personal opinion is that they didn’t take enough and didn’t take it long enough. I think it has gaps that need to be filled by taking another probiotic along with it, just like Flora Source.

As for the diet, I think too much emphasis has been placed on what we can eat and what we can not. just ask yourself before you eat it, how fast this will turn into sugar. try to eat foods that turn to sugar slowly, this turns out to be mostly vegetables. If you avoid all sugar, bread, and yeast products, you will be alright.

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Vitality Cuisine: Something good with garlic

the new year has many of us focusing on living healthier lives. but we often  look for a quick fix and head right back into bad habits.

Instead of throwing your old routine out the door, this year try to start adding foods that offer benefit — like garlic.

Garlic is good for our health. We’ve known that for a long time ,but we don’t make an effort to get it into our body on a regular basis.

Garlic’s healing properties came to light in the mid-1850, when Louis Pasteur studied and recorded garlic's antibiotic properties.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer also used it to successfully treat cholera, typhus and dysentery in Africa in the 1950s.

before antibiotics were widely available, garlic was used as a treatment for battle wounds during both World Wars. It was (and still is) used in the treatment of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Garlic has been shown to be effective against staph, strep, E. coli, salmonella, cholera, Candida albicans and other microorganisms, too, but garlic doesn’t stop there.

some people with high cholesterol have been able to get their levels within normal range by eating one or two fresh, raw cloves per day.

other studies have shown that garlic is capable of blocking the formation of powerful carcinogens — nitrosamines — which may be formed during the digestion of food.

that might explain why populations that consume large amount of garlic have lower incidents of cancer.

Studies also show that use of garlic may inhibit the growth of a tumors.

However, those studies relate only to the consumption of raw or freshly cooked garlic, not garlic supplements.

Garlic can also be used as effectively as a daily dose of aspirin to keep blood platelets from sticking. if you are not fond of cooking with garlic, slice it up in pill-size shapes and swallow it like a pill.

Garlic is incredible, and to enjoy its many benefits, make a little room for it on your plate.

here are two great ways to get going with garlic.

enjoy!

Roasted garlic butter 1 head garlic, regular or elephant 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/8 cup sugar 1/2 pound unsalted butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees. place garlic in the center of a 10×10 square of foil. Pour olive oil over garlic, wrap with foil and roast in oven for 60 minutes. Cut butter into chunks and place in a food processor bowl. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Remove garlic from oven and let cool to the touch. Squeeze garlic out of cloves into processor bowl and pulse until well combined. Lasts for a week, if refrigerated. Spread on bread and for a real treat, place under a broiler until lightly browned for the best garlic bread that you've ever had! Approximate servings per recipe: 16. Nutrition facts per serving: Calories 126; Fat 12g; Carbohydrates 4g; Fiber 0.1g; Sugar 3.2g; Protein 0.4g.   Garlicky chicken 1 chicken 2 sprigs fresh thyme, divided use 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided use 2 sprigs fresh sage, divided use 2 sprigs fresh Italian parsley, divided use 2 stalks celery, sliced 1 cup chicken broth 40 cloves garlic, unpeeled 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Optional: Slices of French bread, toasted

place 1 sprig thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley in chicken cavity. place celery in crock pot then place chicken on top of celery. Pour chicken broth around chicken. Add garlic around chicken. Chop remaining herbs and combine with salt and pepper then sprinkle over chicken. Cover cook on low 8- 10 hours or on high 4- 6 hours. To serve, place chicken and celery on serving platter. Pick out garlic and squeeze out of skins onto toasted French bread slices and spread with knife. Approximate servings per recipe: 4. Nutrition facts per serving: Calories 548; Fat 32g; Carbohydrates 23g; Fiber 1g; Sugar 1g; Protein 22g.

Questions or comments? Contact Laura at: .

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Thrush Treatment Tips

Prior to starting the article I want to give you a tip.

The time it takes to have the yeast cure work depends on two things. You are directly in command of one, and indirectly in command of the second. I have placed them below:

- Persistence in taking treatments – Direct control.

- The amount of resistence you have towards candidiasis with an effective immune system.

What’s appealing about these lines is that they are interdependent – without persistence there is no resistence. Involve yourself with persistence, and your immune system will become stronger.

Virtually all medication of this type can be bought OTC. Mind you,

1. As with many types of medication in this form, side effects are the rule instead than the exception.

2. they are good in the short term but once stopped the illness returns.

3. If infection does come back there’s a good chance that the candida will build up immunity to the drugs, finding them useless.

Best of Category: (short term only)

- Nystatin: this is the most common antifungal tablet and is often used for months at a time.

- Diflucan: in some scenarios Nystatin is not enough, Diflucan is a very powerful kind of treatment. a disadvantage is the potential occurance of severe lung ruin. – it also can’t be taken if you are presently pregnant and/or breast feeding

- Don’t use antibiotics

Suppositories are one other effective agent against yeast infection. Also, they shouldn’t be considered a long term approach as candida can develop immunity to them over time.

Although, the host of side effects are very much nominal compared to the previous treatment.

Best of Category: (short term only)

Relief with capsules is fast and effective. With capsules you do have the sum of what you want you need ready to consume, but they are more expensive than purchasing the equivalent in the super market.

Suggested Solutions: (short term only)

- 2 enteric-bound garlic capsules per day.

- Diflucan: These can be bought in the capsule variety too. Once more, only use after recommendation from your doctor.

Another common choice for treatments is creams and ointments. These are very handy as you can pick them up on any high street. Yeast levels can only be truely managed by repairing the inside of your body. The nature of creams and ointments mean that they are used on the outer layers of the body – not a long term answer to your problem!

Best Solution: (short term only)

- Nystatin is yet again available as a cream. this is the recommended name to buy in pharmaceuticals.

- a Different product you have is with Monistat. If Nystatin doesn’t perform for you, for whatever reason, buy Monistat.

100% Natural Cure: (Recommended)

When it comes to safety and long term effectiveness nothing comes close to the natural approach of remedying health issues – Mother Nature really is the best doctor.

‘Natural’ is also the way to go for ensuring no horrible side effects that modern pharmaceuticals seem to drag along with them.

You’ll even discover that by eating a healthy diet everyday as part of your new regime, your emotional and physical wellbeing in many other ways, becomes improved. And that gift is truely more valuable than an impromptu Mcdonalds! Be receptive to new eating styles and find the positives. Focus on the positives, not the negatives. And remember that inorganic solutions are useful at first, but long term they can be completely ineffective and in some cases, harmful.

Best of Category: (The long term approach)

Oil (Tea Tree) — Use the oil with a clump of cotton.

Fresh Garlic Cloves — this little gem is antifungal in nature and can work miracles for candidiasis. It’s available in many varieties (as seen earlier) and is the truest natural enemy of yeast. The benefits are quick to act and side effects are rare.

Apple Cedar Vinegar — Apple cider vinegar is reputed to restore the body’s pH balance, resulting in the control of yeast levels.

Wear clothes that hang, leaving your body to breath easily. Finally, do your earnest to remain perfectly dry. Candidiasis proliferates in damp and dingy places, so avert them at all costs.

Lapacho — Lapucho tea tussles with yeast effectively with it’s antifungal qualities.

Probiotic yogurt (including acidophilus) — Actual probiotic yogurt includes the strain of good bacteria known as acidophilus. The good bacteria inside these yogurts help to control yeast levels.

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Females may be more susceptible to infection during ovulation

“This could be an explanation why during ovulation females have more risk of being infected with sexual transmitted diseases like HIV or HPV,” said Miguel Relloso, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Laboratorio de Inmunobiología Molecular at the Hospital Gregorio Marañón and Complutense University in Madrid, Spain.

Using mice, Relloso and colleagues found that the sex hormone, estradiol, increased susceptibility to systemic candidiasis (fungal infection). To monitor the effect of estradiol treatment on infection, researchers used in vivo and ex vivo fungal infection models. Ovariectomized mice were treated with estradiol and subsequently pulsed with C. albicans. Estradiol-treated mice were more susceptible to the fungal infection and had lower Th17 immune response. the researchers identified dendritic cells as a target cells of estradiol and showed that estradiol treated dendritic cells were inefficient at triggering the Th17 immune response to C. albicans antigens.

“The next time you hear a woman say that she’s sick of men,” said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, “you can add this to her list as another reason. This adaption which allows male sperm to survive long enough to fertilize an egg, may also open the door for other types of infection.”

More information: Miguel Relloso, Laura Aragoneses-Fenoll, Sandra Lasarte, Christelle Bourgeois, Gema Romera, Karl Kuchler, Angel L. Corbí, M. Angeles Muñoz-Fernández, César Nombela, José L. Rodríguez-Fernández, and Rosalia Diez-Orejas. Estradiol impairs the Th17 immune response against Candida albicans. J Leukoc Biol. January 2012 91:159-165; doi:10.1189/jlb.1110645

Provided by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (news : web)

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Natural Candida Treatment

My name is Henry and glad to have you visiting this natural candida treatment site. I have been involved in reviewing natural candida treatment program available online since 2002. it is my sincere desire that you will benefit from this short review. although I have tried to write as unbiased as possible, but do not take my word for it. you are encouraged to visit the recommended penis and vaginal candida treatment site and judge for yourself.

I have come across an interesting program that talks about how to cure candida infection using natural method. it claims that over the counter medication is not able to completely cure candida infection. The popular Monistat is not regarded as the best treatment, although most sufferers have used this cream.

This interesting program talks about permanent cure for candida infection with no more recurrence. Yo find out more about this natural treatment, you can simply follow this natural candida treatment link.

A lot of candida sufferers have used this program and they provided good testimonials. Teona Lacastra is from Texas, USA and she has got this to say about “Yeast Infection No More”.

natural candida treatment“Dear Linda, lately I have been repeatedly infected with candida infection and I wanted to find a way to treat this problem when I came across your site. I had lesions inside my mouth and the inner cheeks. My baby daughter also suffered from the same thrush in her mouth. I followed your program and both of use were cured. I am very happy to write this testimonials so other sufferers may benefit from your program. I am very happy to have found your program, and now I feel so young and healthy again. Thank-you” (Teona L, Texas)

The natural candida treatment program is delivered to you in the pdf format. you will get 197 pages for this program. Hiowever, it is written in simple English and easy to read. So do not worry about the pages. as soon as you have placed the order, we will send you an email with the download link. There is no need to wait for postal delivery. This very second you can start reading the program.

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Candida Remedies – 5 Home-Based Natural Remedies For Candida and Thrush

If you have been looking for effective home-based candida remedies, you are not alone. Statistics indicate more than 70% of people worldwide suffer from chronic cases of thrush infection and many constantly seek natural remedies for candida.

Just like you, every sufferer will want to learn how to combat this fungal infection that causes itchiness, irritation or soreness on the oral cavity, vagina, penis or other areas of the body.

Some would like to save time and money associated with consulting a doctor and prescribed medication.

Irrespective, here are five (5) simple home-based natural remedies for candida / thrush that can help you and millions of people who are afflicted by this condition:

Thrush can be triggered by emotional, physical or work stress. Stress can be reduced by keeping a calm head along with meditation and relaxation techniques.

Aloe vera is touted as a miracle plant as it contains beneficial nutrients that combine to provide a synergistic effect in combating yeast infection. You can get relief by either applying aloe vera gel on affected areas or by drinking its juice.

3. Yogurt (unsweetened, plain with active cultures)

Just like aloe vera, yogurt can be applied on affected areas. Additionally, taking yogurt can help restore your body’s beneficial bacteria count that naturally controls the culprit fungus.

Acidophilus is an ingredient that helps alleviate the condition by re-establishing beneficial flora in your intestinal tract. You can purchase it from health food stores in capsule / powder form or get milk products which contain acidophilus.

5. Potassium Sorbate (for vagina area)

Get this ingredient from any beer or wine producing store. Soak a tampon in a solution containing one pint of water to 15 grams of potassium sorbate. Insert tampon and remove when you wake up in the morning.

More examples of thrush treatment methods are available on the Internet.

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Premature Babies Harbor Fewer, but More Dangerous Microbe Types

ScienceDaily (Dec. 8, 2011) — one of the most comprehensive studies to date of the microbes that are found in extremely low-birthweight infants found that hard-to-treat Candida fungus is often present, as well as some harmful bacteria and parasites.

Researchers at the Duke University Medical Center and Nicholas School of the Environment looked at the microbes in 11 premature infants and found much less diversity than in full-term infants.

"The babies’ guts were taken over by microbes we know are dangerous if they get into the blood," said senior author Patrick Seed, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Duke. "Even after the babies were no longer on antibiotics, healthier bacteria didn’t appear in the babies very quickly. This may be one reason why premature babies are so vulnerable to infections."

All of the premature children were placed on antibiotic treatments after birth, which would wipe out some types of bacteria and yeast, but once they were off the antibiotics and taking food, the researchers expected to see more diversity of bacteria in the babies’ developing digestive systems than they found.

The findings were published in PLoS one open-access journal on December 8, 2011.

Five infants had blood infections while three had necrotizing enterocolitis, an infection-related death of bowel tissue, said Seed, who is also with the Jean and George Brumley Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Research Institute and the Duke Center for Microbial Pathogenesis.

Seed said that while the study babies were colonized mainly by organisms that were found in stool specimens, in some cases they also had infections with Staphylococcus epidermidis, a form of staph infection, that was abundant in many of the babies’ digestive tracts.

The bacteria and yeast in the premature babies’ digestive tracts are known causes of devastating infections in these babies. The gut seems to be a reservoir for some organisms that form infections, Seed said. Previous to this work, "we only knew the tip of the iceberg," he said.

The researchers used genomic (DNA) typing of the bacteria, fungi, and parasites to determine which types were present.

It’s not clear if the newborns are picking up these early infections from their mother’s milk, blood, or in other ways, or if the pathogens are from the environment surrounding the infants.

"It’s important to know where these pathogens come from so that doctors can possibly manipulate the babies’ environment or their digestive systems," Seed said. he noted that other studies had shown value for giving babies probiotic substances to tip the internal balance toward more favorable bacteria, necessary for immunity and better health.

Seed stressed that certain bacteria and other microbes are helpful for growing babies and their immune systems, so it is important not to do any damage by creating an antiseptic environment.

"It’s a question of balance," Seed said. "As vulnerable as these babies are, we still wouldn’t want to wipe out all of the bacteria, even all of the potentially harmful bacteria."

Other authors include Mariam LaTuga, Michael Cotton, Ronald Goldberg and James Wynn of Duke Department of Pediatrics; and Christopher Ellis and Robert Jackson of Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment (Jackson is also with the Biology Department and the Center on Global Change at Duke University).

This research was supported by a pilot grant from the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, the Duke Department of Pediatrics — Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, the Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Research Network and the Center on Global Change, as well as support from the Gerber and Hartwell Foundations.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Duke University Medical Center.

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Journal Reference:

  1. Mariam Susan LaTuga, Joseph Christopher Ellis, Charles Michael Cotton, Ronald N. Goldberg, James L. Wynn, Robert B. Jackson, Patrick C. Seed. Beyond Bacteria: a Study of the Enteric Microbial Consortium in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants. PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (12): e27858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027858

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Espère Healthcare upgrades DermaSilk underwear

Espère Healthcare has announced changes to the range of DermaSilk men’s and children’s underwear which takes effect from December 1st 2011.  DermaSilk underwear, a ‘Class 1 Medical Device’ approved for prescription use in the treatment of eczema, now has an ability to stretch to twice its size by an innovative process which overlays the DermaSilk fibroin silk completely around an elastane core.  this means there is no longer any need for elasticated waist or legs, and the greater stretch and absence of side seams significantly increases patient comfort whilst retaining full clinical efficacy

Mens boxer shorts now come in three sizes instead of the previous six, and the childrens’ briefs are now available in 2 sizes for each gender instead of 6 unisex sizes. the prices of the new DermaSilk underwear remains unchanged.

All DermaSilk garments are available through chemist wholesalers, but can also be ordered directly from Espère Healthcare by calling Sales on +44 (0)1234 834614

Editors notes

Hi res images available on request

New product details

DermaSilk Men’s boxers

DermaSilk Children’s Briefs

Previous item

New productPrevious itemNew product – girlsNew product – BoysD0506 SmallD0608 XS-SD05054Y 

D06091  (3-6 years) 

D06101 (3-6 years)D0506 MedD0608 M-LD05056YD05058Y 

D06092 (7-10 years) 

D06102 (7-10 years)D0506 XL 

D0608 XL-XXL D0506XXLAdult small briefsAdult small boxersD0506 XXXL

More about Espère Healthcare

Established in 2006, Espère Healthcare Ltd was set up to create and develop a totally new market in medical treatment – biofunctional textiles. A wide range of garments has been developed that are manufactured from new materials specifically designed to produce therapeutic rather than just protective effects, either on their own or in conjunction with currently used conventional medication.

DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing is manufactured from specially knitted medical grade fibroin. this is derived from silk which has been stripped of its outer coating to make it hypoallergenic, and is used widely for medical sutures. this fabric is specially bonded with AEM 5772/5, a patented antimicrobial shield which has been used in hospitals for over 30 years and has proven ability to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth on fabrics such as operating theatre gowns. It acts by electrostatically attracting and physically puncturing bacteria and fungi. there is no chemical released from the silk to poison the cells and no chemicals or nano-particles are released onto the skin.

DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing has been approved as a Class 1 medical device for use by the medical profession on NHS prescription since 2007.  DermaSilk garments are used in the treatment and management of eczema by consultant dermatologists, GPs and nurses. Further indications have been added to the DermaSilk prescription portfolio to cover other conditions such as gravitational eczema in the elderly and epidermolysis bullosa, a severe and debilitating skin condition. Further research for the therapeutic use of DermaSilk in other conditions has shown very promising results.

The company also supply DermaTherapy Bedding, developed from a patented specially designed synthetic fabric sourced from the USA. Proven useful for treating eczema, this bedding has additional applications in pressure sore management in the elderly and infirm, acne, night sweats and night terrors in children. the fabric has an antimicrobial finish bonded to it to help counter bacteria such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

DermaSilkIntimo is the newest product in the range. the inclusion of 4% elastane compliments the inherent stretch properties of the silk and has led to a new range of seamless designs. the latest clinical trials have shown the efficacy of these garments in relieving symptoms in women suffering from lichen sclerosus and candida infections.

Espère are also driving the development of these fabrics into new areas, and trials are in progress for the use of DermaSilk in lymphoedema, trench foot and end of life care. Other fabric technologies are also currently being investigated.

Espère Healthcare Ltd is the Distributor of DermaTherapy Bedding in the UK and Ireland.

DermaTherapy® is a registered trademark of Precision Fabrics Group inc.

Contact details

For media information contact Colin Caldicott, Ultimedia PR

Tel: 01767 601470  e-mail: colin(at)ultimediapr.co.uk

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Infectious Fungus, Thought to Be Asexual, Isn’t

ScienceDaily (Dec. 5, 2011) — The fungi of the Candida genus, known to millions of patients worldwide for their ability to cause serious infections, were once all thought to be asexual. Even after scientists discovered that the mating habits of Candida albicans were many and varied, they remained convinced that many of the more infectious ones did not mate. now with the first report that Candida tropicalis can mate sexually as well, the chastity of the whole genus comes into further doubt.

"I think the really asexual fungi are going to turn out to be the exception, rather than the rule," said Richard Bennett, assistant professor of biology at Brown University and senior author of the report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The revelation that C. tropicalis mates sexually is not simply prurient. some scientists, including Bennett, hypothesize that the pathogen’s mix of sexual behaviors may have evolved as a survival tactic. when things are going well, it may be best to reproduce asexually to keep a successful genome fairly stable. If conditions become hostile, then it makes sense to switch to sexual reproduction to accelerate the creation and proliferation of new, adaptive traits.

"Sex is really good for microbes when times are hard," Bennett said. "That’s the time when you need to adapt and try various combinations of your genes or alleles."

The at least occasionally sexual nature of C. tropicalis may mean that the species can evolve faster than scientists thought it did, Bennett said. That means it may also be more capable of developing increased virulence or drug resistance.

What the student saw

The research began somewhat unintentionally in the spring of 2010 when Allison M. Porman, a new graduate student, was on a brief rotation through Bennett’s lab. Porman happened to notice that a Petri dish of C. tropicalis had separated out into darker and lighter regions. this suggested that the fungi had formed two separate phenotypes, with an intriguing similarity to the "white" and "opaque" phenotypes of C. albicans. In C. albicans, that distinction is not just one of color, but also of mating behavior.

Porman rejoined the lab and led the experiments described in the new paper. What she, Bennett, and their co-authors discovered was not only that C. tropicalis mates and that the mating depends on pheromones, but also that the genetic "switch" that converts the fungus from its chaste "white" state to its more libidinous "opaque" state shares a key gene in common with that in C. albicans called WOR1. And yet, they determined the sequence of necessary regulatory events involving WOR1 doesn’t proceed in exactly the same way in C. tropicalis as in C. albicans. In C. albicans one trigger among several appears to be temperature. The team is still trying to figure out what turns C. tropicalis on.

"It’s been really hard to find the trigger," Bennett said. "we can’t force the switch in either direction. we have to just plate loads of cells and hope we get the one random event that switches to the other state."

Finding the right environmental trigger could either support or undermine the hypothesis that fungus employs sex as a survival tactic. It could also offer clues to finding the presumed mating behavior of other Candida species.

In addition to Porman and Bennett, other authors include Kevin Alby and Matthew Hirakawa. The National Institutes of Health supported the research.

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Disclaimer: this article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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