Candida albicans is a gram-positive yeast that causes candidiasis in humans.
The unique characteristic of Candida albicans is that it can switch between yeast and filamentous forms.
Candida albicans is a part of the human microbiota and usually exists as a commensal on different areas such as oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina.
Other identified Candida species that can survive on the human body include Candida krusei, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. lusitaniae and C. dubliniensis.
Interesting Candida Albicans Facts You May Not Know
- C. albicans is a member of the normal flora of the microbiota in approximately 50% of the human population.
- Approximately 60- 75% of women suffer from vaginal candidiasis (vulvovaginal candidiasis) at least once during their lifetime.
- According to a study by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Candida albicans and its related species are identified as 6th most common cause of nosocomial infections
- Major risk factors for developing candidiasis are recent antibiotic use, weakened immune system, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and oral contraceptives.
- Biofilm formation by Candida Species is associated with drug resistance and high mortality rate among patients. Biofilms are compact cell structures adhered to surfaces that protect yeast from antifungals and other treatments.
Also Read: Candida Auris: Facts, Symptoms & Treatment
Types and Causes of Candida albicans Infection
Candida albicans transition from commensal to the pathogen is attributed to multiple factors such as an imbalance of normal microbiota, immunosuppression, or disruption of mucosal barrier integrity.
Candida albicans can cause both local and systemic infections. The types of infections caused by Candida albicans include :
- Vaginal Candidiasis – An overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area causes intense itchiness, irritation, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Thrush – Candida multiplies in the mouth, throat, and or esophagus region and causes infection. Symptoms of oral thrush usually include white patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat, soreness and burning in the mouth, etc. Whereas, symptoms of esophageal (thrush) candidiasis may include pain when swallowing, loss of taste, change in taste, and nausea.
- Invasive candidiasis – A severe form of fungal infection that can affect blood, brain, heart, bones, eyes, and abdominal organs. It affects people having any underlying medical conditions or weakened immune system and can develop symptoms like belly pain, chills/fever, muscle aches, fatigue, etc.
Also Read: Top Facts about E.Coli
Uses of Candida Albicans (MTCC 3017) Microorganism at MIS lab
At MIS, we provide antimicrobial testing services to check the efficacy of antimicrobial-treated products.
Candida Albicans (MTCC 3017) is used in both qualitative and quantitative antimicrobial efficacy assays like AATCC 147, AATCC 30, ISO 20473, ASTM G21, ASTM G29.
While performing antimicrobial preservative efficacy tests like USP 51, Candida Albicans (MTCC 3017) is also used as a reference microorganism.
Contact our experts now to know about antimicrobial efficacy testing services in detail.
