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Can Strep Be Caused by Candida?

Although both strep and candida can affect the throat, strep throat cannot be caused by infection with candida. Candida---which causes thrush---is a fungus, while strep throat is caused by a bacterium.

  1. Identification

    • Strep throat is caused by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is also known as group A streptococcus.

    Transmission

    • Droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing as well as touching contaminated surfaces can spread strep bacteria.

    Effects

    • While strep infection and candida can lead to white patches in the mouth, the patches appear on the tonsils in strep throat and are accompanied by red spotting on the hard palate. Candida leads to white lesions throughout the mouth, says the Mayo Clinic.

    Affected Groups

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that strep throat mostly affects young people between the ages of 5 and 15, while candida is seen mostly in people with weakened immune systems.

    Considerations

    • Strep throat and candida require different treatments; for strep, antibiotics typically are prescribed. For candida, antifungal medication or supplements may be recommended. Consult your doctor to properly diagnose a throat infection.

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