Thrush is caused by the Candida yeast (and is therefore technically known as candidiasis). Thrush infections can occur either in the mouth and throat, or in women’s sexual organs. When it occurs in the vagina, it is typically referred to as a yeast infection rather than as thrush, although the condition is caused by the same type of fungus. From there, infections can spread to affect the heart, the eyes, and the brain.
For the most part, although very common thrush is not a life-threatening condition, and effective medications to exist to treat it, although these may not always be prescribed in mild cases. Creams, throat lozenges, and pills have been developed to combat thrush infections, and amphotericin B is used to fight serious infections. However, the best way to combat thrush is to improve the body’s immune system through antiretroviral therapy, so that the body can fight off at least some infections directly.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) -
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common virus which infects the majority of the American population at any given time, but never produces illness in those with healthy immune systems. As a result of successful antiretroviral therapy, CMV also