3. Fungal Infections
HIV patients are very prone to suffer from opportunistic infections due to the ever-decreasing cell-mediated immune function. One such condition is Candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by a strain of yeast called Candida.
Candidiasis of the mouth is probably one of the most common manifestations in HIV patients and Candidiasis of the esophagus is one of the defining signs of AIDS. However, HIV patients also commonly experience candidiasis infections of the skin and, in the case of females, the vagina.
Symptoms and signs of Candidiasis of the mouth and throat include whitish plaques on the inside of the mouth, pain, and an altered sense of taste. Candidiasis of the esophagus can cause sore throat and difficulty when swallowing and in some cases, it may cause pain along the upper chest. Vaginal Candidiasis is characterized by white discharge and a pervasive itching or burning sensation.
Other common fungal infections in HIV patients include Pneumocystosis, Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis), and Talaromycosis.
