Candida Albicans (F)

Species of Candida are non-mycelia-producing, non-ascospore-forming, yeast-like fungi that appear as small (4–6 μm), oval, thin-walled, Gram-positive budding cells. The most important representative, Candida albicans, is a facultative pathogen in humans. C. albicans is ubiquitous and commonly found as transient flora on normal mucous membranes. Although not pathogenic in healthy individuals, the fungus may become opportunistic in those suffering from various disorders and in those undergoing intensive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics or immunosuppressive measures.

Candidiasis is caused by C. albicans in approximately 90% of cases. It is an acute or subacute infection in which the fungus may produce lesions in the mouth (thrush, oral candidiasis), bronchi or lungs (bronchopulmonary candidiasis), and occasionally lead to septicaemia, endocarditis, or meningitis. In immunosuppressed patients with cellular immunodeficiency, such as those with AIDS, C. albicans may cause severe necrosis of infected tissues.