Yeast infections are mainly caused by yeast-like fungus named Candida or Monilia. This fungus is a normal resident of your body. Usually, your body’s immunity keeps this fungus under control. It causes infection if you are sick or taking any antibiotics. Your mouth, skin, nails, food pipe (esophagus), vagina or even blood may get infected by this fungus.

Yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans and may affect skin if you have warm and wet armpits and groin area, diabetes, excess weight, received antibiotics, steroids or chemotherapy, you are more likely to get a mouth yeast infection (thrush) if you, have an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, have a weak immune system, are on antibiotics, have poor health, are very old, are receiving chemotherapy or steroids (usual content of asthma inhalers), have diabetes and if your blood sugar level is high, have dentures that do not fit well, chances of getting vaginal yeast infections are higher if you, are receiving antibiotics, steroids, hormones or chemotherapy., are pregnant, are taking birth control pills, have diabetes, have other illness that weakens your immunity, are douching (washing inside your vagina with a chemical soap), wearing  underwear that doesn’t breathe or tight clothes and have sex with an infected partner.

There are many kinds of fungus that live in the human body. One type is called candida. It’s a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts in places like your mouth and belly, or on your skin without causing any problems. But when the environment is right, the yeast can multiply and grow out of control.

When the candida yeast spreads in the mouth and throat, it can cause an infection called thrush. It’s most common in newborns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Also more likely to get it are adults who: are being treated for cancer, take medications like corticosteroids and wide-spectrum antibiotics, wear dentures and have diabetes.

The symptoms include: white or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, roof of mouth, and inner cheeks, redness or soreness in the mouth and throat, cracking at the corners of the mouth, pain when swallowing, if it spreads to the throat. Because the symptoms in women can be similar to other infections like bacterial vaginosis (bacterial overgrowth in the vagina) and sexually transmitted diseases, it’s important to visit your doctor.

Most times, an over-the-counter antifungal suppository, tablet, or cream will knock out the infection. Your doctor might also prescribe a single dose of a prescription antifungal medicine like fluconazole. Tell your doctor if you get yeast infections more than four times a year. They may recommend regular doses of antifungal medication over several months to fight the repeated infections. If candida yeast enters the bloodstream (usually through medical equipment or devices), it can travel to the heart, brain, blood, eyes, and bones. This can cause a serious, life-threatening infection. This happens most often to people who have recently been admitted to a hospital or live in a health care facility, such as a nursing home.

The journal of “Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis” is a peer reviewed medical journal that includes a wide range of topics in this fields including Bacteriology, Clinical and Medical Diagnostics, Parasitology, Bacterial Infections and creates a platform for the authors to make their contribution towards the journal. The editorial office promises a thorough peer review of the submitted manuscripts to ensure quality.

Best Regards,

Mary Wilson,

Associate Managing Editor,

Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis

E-mail: microbiology@jpeerreview.com