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Difference Between Chlamydia and Yeast infection
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vaginal infections are both common concerns for women. Among the STIs, chlamydia and yeast infections are two of the most common. While they may share some similar symptoms, they are different in terms of their causes, treatment, and potential health consequences.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia includes certain species of bacteria that cause either a type of respiratory or a form of sexually transmitted illness in people depending on what species is involved. The infections are caused by two different species of bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae that live inside the cells of the host.
Symptoms − Symptoms of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) are caused by C. trachomatis and include itching, discharge, and burning of the genitals. There may also be burning during urination. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, and headache, are present in people who have C. pneumoniae.
Diagnosis − A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is used to definitively diagnose an infection caused by Chlamydia bacteria.
Risk factors and treatment − People who have multiple sexual partners and who do not use any form of protection are at a greater risk of contracting C. trachomatis. The pneumonia caused by C. pneumoniae is most often caught by the very young and very old who are in a crowded situation where sick people may sneeze or cough and thus spread the infection. Antibiotics can be used to treat both of the different types of chlamydia infections.
What is Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida in the vagina. Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections, although sexual activity can increase the risk of developing an infection. Yeast infections are also more common in women who are pregnant, have diabetes, or are taking antibiotics. The most common symptom of a yeast infection is itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. Other symptoms may include pain during urination or sexual intercourse, and a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
Symptoms for Yeast infection − Symptoms can include itching, a rash, pustules and in the case of vaginal infections, a white discharge. Candida in the mouth will produce white plaques and in babies with candida, a diaper rash is produced.
Diagnosis − The presence of typical symptoms may lead to suspicion that you have a yeast infection. The diagnosis though can be confirmed by microscopic examination of a sample. Candida albicans can be detected by placing a culture on a microscope slide and adding a solution of 20% potassium hydroxide. The slide is then examined for the presence of fungal structures such as budding cells or hyphae.
Risk factors and treatment − Risk factors for candidiasis or a yeast infection include having poor hygiene, taking antibiotics which cause an imbalance in the microbes that are present. Babies who are not changed often enough may develop diaper rash. Oral antifungal medication and antifungal powders can be used. Powders that are often useful in treating yeast infections include fluconazole and miconazole.
Differences: Chlamydia and Yeast infection
One of the main differences between chlamydia and yeast infections is their cause. Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium, while yeast infections are caused by a fungus. As a result, they require different types of treatment. Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, which kill the bacteria causing the infection. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are treated with antifungal medications, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, which kill the fungus causing the infection.
Another difference between chlamydia and yeast infections is their potential health consequences. Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, such as PID, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are generally not considered serious and do not cause any long-term health problems. However, in rare cases, yeast infections can lead to systemic infections that can be life-threatening, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
In terms of prevention, both chlamydia and yeast infections can be prevented through safe sex practices. Using condoms during sexual intercourse can help prevent the transmission of chlamydia, while avoiding douching, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and practicing good hygiene can help prevent yeast infections.
The following table highlights the major differences between Chlamydia and Yeast Infection −
Characteristics |
Chlamydia |
Yeast infection |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Chlamydia is a bacterium that causes various infections in people- |
A yeast infection is an infection that is caused by a species of yeast known as Candida albicans. |
Causative agent |
The microbe causing chlamydia infections is a bacterium. |
The microbe causing yeast infections is a type of fungus that is known as yeast. |
Cell type |
The Chlamydia causing chlamydial infection is a type of prokaryotic cell. |
The Candida causing yeast infection is a type of eukaryotic cell. |
Intracellular parasite |
Chlamydia is a parasite that has to live inside the cell of its host, so it is an intracellular parasite. |
Yeast is a parasite that lives outside the host’s cells and thus is not an intracellular parasite. |
Symptoms |
The symptoms of having an infection caused by Chlamydia depend on which species it is. For C. trachomatis there may be burning on urination, pain, and a discharge. For C. pneumoniae various respiratory symptoms will be present. |
The symptoms of having a yeast infection include itching, the presence of a rash or pustules, and a white discharge if it is in the vagina. |
Diagnosis |
The diagnosis of Chlamydia is by a positive result when nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are done. |
Diagnosis of a yeast infection is by microscopic examination of a slide of the organism to which potassium hydroxide has been added to show fungal features. |
Risk factors |
A risk factor for getting C. trachomatis include having many sexual partners, and for C. pneumoniae being in crowded conditions is a risk factor and if you are a child or elderly. |
Risk factors for yeast infection include, not changing a baby’s diaper often enough, having poor hygiene or taking antibiotics. |
Treatment |
The treatment of Chlamydia involves using antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin. |
The treatment of a yeast infection is by using antifungals such as miconazole or fluconazole. |
Conclusion
In summary, chlamydia and yeast infections are two common vaginal infections with different causes, symptoms, treatment, and potential health consequences.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, while yeast infections are generally not considered serious but can cause discomfort and itching. Both can be prevented through safe sex practices and good hygiene.
If you suspect you have either of these infections, it is important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
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