Candidiasis

Candidiasis

Candida species are the most common fungal pathogens thataffect humans. These species are true opportunistic patho-gens that take advantage of the host’s debilitated condition and gain access to the circulation and deep tissues. The genus Candida includes more than 100 species, of which only fewcause disease in humans. C. albicans and occasionally other species cause candidiasis, a major infection in immunocom-promised hosts.

Candida albicans

C. albicans is the most common Candida species, which causesopportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. It forms the part of the normal flora of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory tract.