Ecology of Candida Albicans in Candidiasis of the Groin

In a study of young, healthy soldiers it was found that those with cutaneous candidiasis of the groin were five times more likely to have Candida albicans in the rectum than were those in a matched control group. This finding is presented as evidence that the gastrointestinal tract is the source of organisms in candidiasis of the groin. It was also shown that increasing age and weight, a family history of diabetes mellitus, and the use of systemic corticosteroids were more common in those with cutaneous candidiasis of the groin.