Genital infections in an AIDS patient. Growths of Candida fungus (white) on the bacterially inflamed penis of an AIDS patient from Africa. The fungal infection recurred (relapsed) after treatment with the antifungal drug ketoconazole. The virus (HIV) causing AIDS is interfering with treatment of the infections. This is because HIV weakens the patient's immune system that defends against such infections. AIDS patients generally require longer and more intensive treatments for infections. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus.