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Viral Infections Directory
Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common. Both types of infections are caused by microbes -- bacteria and viruses, respectively -- and spread by things such as:
Microbes can also cause:
Most importantly, bacterial and viral infections, can cause mild, moderate, and severe diseases.
Throughout history, millions of people have died of diseases such as bubonic plague or the Black Death, which is caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria, and smallpox, which is caused by the variola virus. In recent times, viral infections have been responsible for two major pandemics: the 1918-1919 "Spanish flu" epidemic that killed 20-40 million people, the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic that has killed over 40.5 million people (as of 2023), and the Covid novel coronavirus pandemic, which has killed almost 7 million people as of September 2023.
Bacterial and viral infections can cause similar symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, fever, inflammation, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and cramping -- all of which are ways the immune system tries to rid the body of infectious organisms. But bacterial and viral infections are dissimilar in many other important respects, most of them due to the organisms' structural differences and the way they respond to medications.
Although bacteria and viruses are both too small to be seen without a microscope, they're as different as giraffes and goldfish.
Bacteria are relatively complex, single-celled creatures, many with a rigid wall, and a thin, rubbery membrane surrounding the fluid inside the cell. They can reproduce on their own. Fossilized records show that bacteria have existed for about 3.5 billion years, and bacteria can survive in different environments, including extreme heat and cold, radioactive waste, and the human body.
Most bacteria are harmless, and some actually help by digesting food, destroying disease-causing microbes, fighting cancer cells, and providing essential nutrients. Fewer than 1% of bacteria cause diseases in people.
Viruses are tinier: the largest of them are smaller than the smallest bacteria. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA. Unlike bacteria, viruses can't survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. In most cases, they reprogram the cells to make new viruses until the cells burst and die. In other cases, they turn normal cells into malignant or cancerous cells.
Also unlike bacteria, most viruses do cause disease, and they're quite specific about the cells they attack. For example, certain viruses attack cells in the liver, respiratory system, or blood. In some cases, viruses target bacteria.
You should consult your doctor if you think you have a bacterial or viral infection. Exceptions include the common cold, which is usually not life-threatening.
In some cases, it's difficult to determine whether an illness is viral or bacterial because many ailments -- including pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea -- can be caused by either. But your doctor may be able to determine the cause by listening to your medical history and doing a physical exam.
If necessary, they also can order a blood or urine test to help confirm a diagnosis, or a "culture test" of tissue to identify bacteria or viruses. Occasionally, a biopsy of affected tissue may be required.
The discovery of antibiotics for bacterial infections is considered one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Unfortunately, bacteria are very adaptable, and the overuse of antibiotics has made many of them resistant to antibiotics. This has created serious problems, especially in hospital settings.
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and many leading organizations now recommend against using antibiotics unless there is clear evidence of a bacterial infection.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, vaccines have been developed. Vaccines have drastically reduced the number of new cases of viral diseases such as polio, measles, and chickenpox. In addition, vaccines can prevent such infections such as the flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and others.
But the treatment of viral infections has proved more challenging, primarily because viruses are relatively tiny and reproduce inside cells. For some viral diseases, such as herpes simplex virus infections, HIV/AIDS, and influenza, antiviral medications have become available. But the use of antiviral medications has been associated with the development of drug-resistant microbes.
What Is A Penile Yeast Infection?
Penile yeast infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms. You can treat them with over-the-counter and prescription medications, depending on severity. Certain steps like practicing proper hygiene can reduce the risk.
A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis.
A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection. In some cases, you may need prescription medications. Some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.
Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:
Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.
A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.
A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.
A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research.
Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.
Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other factors can increase your risk of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:
Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. They may examine some of the white substance that forms on the penis under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms.
If you cannot get in to see a primary care doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or an emergency department. The earlier you receive a diagnosis and can begin treatment, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.
It's not recommended for you to diagnose yourself and start treatment on your own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can be serious.
In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:
Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.
A doctor may recommend oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream for serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.
Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.
Recurrent yeast infectionsYeast infections sometimes return after they seem to have been cured. If this happens, your doctor will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.
In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to 6 months.
If your infection does not respond well to an antifungal ointment and you are uncircumcised, a doctor may advise you to have an adult male circumcision, according to 2016 research. Though this procedure is usually done on infants, it can be done safely on people of any age.
Diabetes and yeast infectionsFactors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research.
If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.
If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.
BalanitisOne of the potential complications of a penile yeast infection is balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis (glans). Some people experience inflammation of both the glans and the foreskin, known as balanoposthitis.
Diabetes can increase your risk for balanitis.
Without effective treatment, balanitis can lead to scarring of the foreskin. It can also cause adhesions on the penis. It may prevent you from being able to pull your foreskin back, making proper hygiene impossible. A doctor will likely recommend circumcision in these cases.
Balanitis can be painful and make urinating more difficult. If untreated, it can cause swollen and painful glands as well as weakness and fatigue.
Invasive candidiasisA yeast infection may enter the bloodstream. This is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis.
This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. It is also more common in those with weakened immune systems.
If you've been in a hospital and used a catheter to urinate, you may be more likely to face invasive candidiasis. This advanced form of yeast infection is very serious. Medical staff will closely monitor you for any signs of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).
You may need oral antifungal medications for several weeks. In some cases, the drugs are administered intravenously.
If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7–14 days.
If you are sexually active, your partner should also receive treatment for a yeast infection. This prevents them from contracting the infection or passing it back to you.
If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
Penile yeast infections are not as common as vaginal yeast infections, but they do occur. They may result from poor hygiene or sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without using an external condom.
Symptoms include small white patches and redness on the skin as well as itchiness or burning. If left untreated, it can also cause other conditions and complications.
Topical antifungal ointments and creams can typically treat the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What Is A Yeast Infection? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
There is normally a balance between Candida and other microorganisms in the vagina. When this balance is disrupted, Candida is able to overgrow.
There are several risk factors for developing a vaginal yeast infection. They include:
Hormones. High levels of sex hormones (such as during pregnancy, hormone-replacement therapy or oral contraceptive use) increase the likelihood that Candida will adhere to the vagina and overgrow. High levels of sex hormones also decrease vaginal immune responses.
Antibiotic use. Taking antibiotics kills the good bacteria in the vagina. Elimination of these beneficial microbes means there is less competition for resources, which allows Candida to overgrow.
Weakened immune system. If a person has a weakened immune system – (e.G., HIV), the body does not produce an immune response strong enough to prevent the overgrowth of Candida.
High blood sugars. Uncontrolled diabetes and glucocorticoid (a type of steroid medication) use can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can impair the ability of the body to prevent Candida overgrowth. It can also increase the likelihood that Candida will adhere to the vagina, allowing it to overgrow.
Genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to getting vaginal yeast infections.
Intrauterine devices. Intrauterine devices (a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus) act as a reservoir for Candida where they can adhere and form biofilms. Biofilms are a community of microorganisms held together and protected by glue-like materials. They are highly resistant to medications, immune responses and stress.
Spermicide use. Candida are able to feed off one of the compounds used in spermicides, which allows them to adhere to the vagina and overgrow.
Using douches or vaginal sprays. Douching or using vaginal sprays can introduce allergy-causing substances into the vagina. They also wash away the good bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to Candida overgrowth.
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