Candida albicans is a common yeast dwelling in humans and the natural environment. Usually unnoticed unless pathogenic, it's found in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and vagina, coexisting with other microbes.
Candida albicans is first identified in the late 19th century by German botanist Heinrich Anton de Bary. Since then, extensive research has focused on uncovering its characteristics and effects on human health.
In nature, Candida albicans contributes to the breakdown of organic material, and nutrient cycling. It's isolated from soil, plants and decomposing matter.
Yeasts need nitrogen (ammonium), vitamins such as thiamine (B1) and minerals such as magnesium and zinc for maximum performance. Nitrogen starved yeast puts out hyphae, filaments or pseudohyphae made of daughter cells in search of new territory.
A unicellular fungus, Candida albicans can create filamentous hyphae, associated with its pathogenic side, or float as an ovoid cell through the body. Under normal growth conditions it's white or cream-colored.
In humans, it is primarily found in mucous membranes, such as the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity and vaginal canal. It can also be on skin, mainly in folds where moisture accumulates, or around the anal opening.
In the human body, Candida albicans is usually harmless and exists as a component of the natural microbiota. It helps maintain a balance in the microbial community. C. albicans is important to digestive health.
Candida albicans is a heterotrophic organism, extracting nutrients from organic materials. Specifically, it loves simple sugars like glucose, a monosaccharide providing energy for many of life's processes.
While it can't break down polysaccharides like starches, the enzyme amylase can. Amylases are in saliva and the small intestine, produced by salivatory glands or the pancreas. They reduce starch to fermentable sugars.
C. albicans metabolizes fermentable sugars like glucose as a source of energy. During metabolic processes, it releases ethanol, CO2 and other byproducts which can alter pH levels of its environment.
This can create dysbiosis, when the balance of microorganisms is upset. The imbalance affects about 30% of adults who have digestive issues. High sugar intake can feed Candida past the tipping point.
Conditions such as immune suppression, diabetes, antibiotic use or hormonal changes also result in overgrowth. This can cause thrush (oral candidiasis) and vaginal yeast infections (Candidal vulvovaginitis).
Symptoms may include fatigue, sore throat, white patches on mouth, itching in genital areas, digestive and skin problems. It may cause further infection from invasive candidiasis.
Unlike Candida infections of the mouth or vagina, invasive candidiasis is a progressive, and potentially fatal infection. It can affect blood (fungemia), heart, brain, eyes, bones and other parts of the body.
Genetic Resilience: Candida albicans has a remarkable ability to adapt genetically, allowing it to survive in various environments and resist some antifungal treatments.
Biofilm Formation: This yeast is capable of forming biofilms on medical devices and mucosal surfaces, which complicates treatment and eradication efforts.
Diverse Strain Variants: Over 200 different types of Candida exist, and more than 20 species can cause infection, but C. albicans is the most common in humans.
Model Organism: Candida albicans is a model organism in scientific research and experiments.
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