Fungal infections, also known as mycoses, are conditions caused by fungi that can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, nails, mouth, genitals, or—in more severe cases—even internal organs. Fungi are naturally present in the environment and in small amounts in our bodies, but certain factors can promote their overgrowth and lead to infection.
The most common types of fungal infections include candidiasis, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and vaginal yeast infections.
Candidiasis is caused by a fungus called Candida, which normally lives in small amounts in the body. When imbalanced, it can multiply and cause uncomfortable symptoms, especially in the mouth, skin, genitals, or intestines.
Common symptoms include itching, redness, burning, thick discharge in women, or white patches in the mouth. Triggers such as stress, antibiotic use, diabetes, or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of infection.
To prevent candidiasis, it’s important to maintain proper hygiene, wear cotton underwear, avoid prolonged use of antibiotics, and follow a balanced diet. At the first sign of discomfort, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
Related Papers:
- Wu Y, Hu S, Wu C, Gu F, Yang Y. Probiotics: Potential Novel Therapeutics Against Fungal Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Jan 21;11:793419. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.793419
- Matsubara, V. H., Wang, Y., Bandara, H. M. H. N., Mayer, M. P. A., Samaranayake, L. P. (2016). Probiotic Lactobacilli Inhibit Early Stages of Candida Albicans Biofilm Development by Reducing Their Growth, Cell Adhesion, and Filamentation. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 100, 6415–6426. doi: 10.1007/s00253-016-7527-3
- Leñini C, Rodriguez Ayala F, Goñi AJ, Rateni L, Nakamura A, and Grau R (2023). Probiotic properties of Bacillus subtilis DG101 isolated from the traditional Japanese fermented food natto. Front. Microbiol. 14:1253480; doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253480.