Ms. Q is a 37-year-old woman who was treated for the past month with antibiotics for a severe bacterial throat infection. After the throat infection cleared, she reported dysuria, dyspareunia, and a thick white vaginal discharge. Microscopic examination of the discharge revealed the usual bacteria but also large numbers of microbes, which appeared to be fungal organisms. Based on the patient history, signs and symptoms, and results of the microscopic examination, explain how the candidiasis occurred. (See Candidiasis.)
Explain other risk factors for the development of this condition. (See Candidiasis.)