Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMC)

Overview
CMC is a less common PID (primary immunodeficiency) CMC is associated with a selective T-cell deficiency to Candida and a few related fungi, but otherwise their immune system is fine.

Symptoms
persistent Candida (fungus), infections of the mucous membranes, scalp, skin and nails, but not of the blood stream or internal organs.

Tests/Diagnosis
The most common abnormal lab test is a negative delayed hypersensitivity skin test to Candida antigen, despite widespread Candida infection.

Treatments
These infections respond to anti-Candida treatment but recur when the treatment stops.  A few CMC patients develop severe hepatitis or bronchiectasis. Treatment requires life-long antifungal medicines.

Resources
Canadian Immunodeficiencies Patient Organization-CIPO

Personal Story

Our two boys were just diagnosed with CMC, after years of unexplained illness.  Both have candida in their esophagus, our youngest is responding to treatment, our older son is not.

Contributed by MOM Erin H