Candida Albicans – Basic microbiology, parasitology, and immunology; nature, reproduction, growth, and transmission of common microorganisms and parasites in Bangladesh; prevention including universal precaution and immunization, control, sterilization, and disinfection; and specimen collections and examination. Students will have an understanding of common organisms and parasites caused human diseases and acquire knowledge about the prevention and control of those organisms.
Candida Albicans
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that is a common member of the human gut flora. It can also survive outside the human body. It is detected in the gastrointestinal tract and mouth in 40-60% of healthy adults.
Disease caused by Candida is called Candidiasis.
Species:
➤ Candida albicans (Most common – 90%)
➤ Others –
- C. tropicalis
- C. pseudotropicalis
- C. stellatoidae.
Habitat:
It remains as a normal flora in skin and mucous membrane of GIT, respiratory tract and female genital tract.
Properties/Morphology:
- It is a yeast-like opportunistic fungus.
- Round or oval in shape.
- Reproduces by budding.
- Takes gram stain and it is Gram positive.
- Produces pseudohyphae.
Importance:
- C. albicans can cause systemic candidiasis in immuno compromised individuals.
- They can cause superficial candidiasis in healthy individuals wherever the local immunity is somehow suppressed or disturbed.
Important Candida species:
- Candida albicans
- Candida tropicalis
- Candida parapsilosis
- Candida krusei
- Candida glabrata
Pathological Conditions/Diseases/Lesions Produced by Candida albicans:
➤ Superficial/cutaneous/mucosal candidiasis:
- Oral thrush.
- Moniliasis (vaginal candidiasis).
- Cutaneous candidiasis: particularly in moist sites, e.g.- axilla, groin etc.
- Nail lesions: paronychia, onychomycosis.
- External ear: otomycosis.
➤ Systemic candidiasis: Occurs in immuno-compromised persons and intravenous drug abusers.
- Meningitis.
- Endocarditis.
- Septicemia.
- Oesophagitis.
➤ Chronic muco-cutaneous candidiasis.
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