Introduction
Yeast fungi are one of the most common types of mushrooms and belong to the unicellular fungi, which can grow to about 5-8 μm They can reproduce by sprouting and cell division and can form pseudomycels. Pseudomycel is the connection of several yeast fungus cells, which were developed over sprouting. Yeast fungi can also form spores, which are very resistant and with which they can survive for a long time in different environments.
Many yeast fungi are often a component of the natural skin and intestinal flora and have no disease value per se. However, in certain situations, usually in the case of an immune deficiency, they can become opportunistic pathogens. If the immune system is weakened, yeast fungi can proliferate excessively, attack the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs and cause serious diseases, which will be discussed in more detail below. The most important representative and pathogen of these diseases is Candida albicans.
Are yeast fungi contagious?
Yeast fungi can be highly infectious, but usually only if the own immune system or the affected skin/mucosal flora is affected. Yeast fungi can attack skin and nails, among other things. Infection occurs here mainly through close physical contact or the use of the same towels and linen.
If the nails are infected with yeast fungi, the infection can also be transmitted via commonly used nail scissors or nail files. Yeast fungus in the area of the genitals (e.g. vaginal fungus, or balanitis) can be transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse. If one of the partners is infected with yeast fungus, both partners should always be treated at the same time to avoid a “ping-pong effect”.
Yeast fungus is not transmitted via toilet seats. A fungal infection of the mouth occurs mainly in asthmatics or lung patients who are dependent on the intake of cortisone sprays. The cortisone reduces the immune defence in the mouth area and the yeast fungi can multiply there quickly and cause the clinical picture of mouth sores.
Infection is possible through the shared use of toothbrushes or dental care products. A fungal infestation in the intestine usually develops due to a long intake of antibiotics, but is usually not contagious. General information on infectious skin rashes can be found at Is my skin rash contagious?
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