What type of infection is usually treated with antifungal medications?

Fungal infections are typically treated with antifungal medications due to the specific nature of the pathogens involved. Fungi, such as yeast and mold, can lead to a range of infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Antifungal medications work by targeting the unique components of fungal cell membranes or cell walls, which differ significantly from those of human cells, allowing for effective treatment with minimal toxicity to the host.

Understanding the classification of infections is crucial; viral infections, for example, are caused by viruses and require antiviral medications for treatment. Parasitic infections are caused by parasites and would be treated with antiparasitic drugs. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which specifically target bacterial pathogens. The unique characteristics of fungal pathogens necessitate the use of specifically designed antifungal medications, making it clear that they are the appropriate choice for treating fungal infections.