Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the most common cause of balanitis?

1. Staphylococcus aureus

2. Streptococcus pyogenes

3. Candida albicans

4. Trichomonads

The correct answer is: Candida albicans

Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans (the head) of the penis, and one of the most common infectious causes is indeed due to the yeast Candida albicans. This organism is often present naturally on the skin and in mucosal areas but can overgrow in certain conditions, such as poor hygiene, moisture, or immunocompromised states. When this overgrowth occurs, it leads to the symptoms associated with balanitis, including redness, itching, and swelling. In contrast, while other organisms might cause infections in the genital area, they are less frequently associated with balanitis compared to Candida. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are more commonly recognized for causing skin and soft tissue infections, but they do not specifically target the glans like Candida does. Trichomonads are associated with sexually transmitted infections but are not the primary cause of balanitis. Thus, considering the context of the question, Candida albicans stands out as the most prevalent pathogen responsible for balanitis due to its propensity to cause fungal infections in the genital region, particularly under conditions that promote its growth.