Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 300 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hello brilliant star! It’s always so good to have you here, showing up with that curious mind and eager heart. Today, we’re going to talk about something you might have even heard about before—Candida albicans, the fungus behind Candidiasis. It’s a topic that matters a lot because this fungus affects many people, especially when the body’s balance is disturbed. Don’t worry, we’ll break it all down in a simple, clear and human way, just like we always do.
Candida Albicans (Candidiasis)
Let’s start with the basics. Candida albicans is a type of yeast—a single-celled fungus—that naturally lives in the human body, especially in places like the mouth, gut, skin, and even the genitals. Normally, it lives peacefully without causing harm because the body’s immune system and good bacteria keep it in check.
However, when something disrupts this balance—like taking antibiotics, poor immunity, or underlying illness—Candida can multiply and cause an infection called Candidiasis.
You can think of it like a neighbour who is quiet and peaceful most of the time, but if nobody checks them, they throw a loud party that disturbs everyone. That’s how Candida behaves.
Types of Candidiasis
Candidiasis can affect different parts of the body. Here are the most common types:
Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)
Affects the mouth and throat.
Causes white, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat.
Common in babies, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Common in women, especially after antibiotic use or hormonal changes.
Symptoms include itching, thick white discharge, and discomfort.
It’s not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be triggered by sexual activity.
Cutaneous Candidiasis
Occurs on the skin, especially in warm, moist areas like armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
The skin may look red, sore, or have a rash.
Systemic Candidiasis
This is a serious form that affects internal organs like the bloodstream, kidneys, liver, and heart.
It usually happens in hospitalised patients or those with very weak immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer patients.
Causes and Risk Factors
Candida overgrowth is often caused by:
Antibiotic use: Kills good bacteria that normally control Candida.
Weakened immune system: Due to HIV, chemotherapy, diabetes, or steroids.
Hormonal changes: Especially during pregnancy or menstruation.
Poor hygiene or damp skin: Encourages fungal growth.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors usually diagnose candidiasis by examining the infected area and sometimes taking a swab for laboratory testing. Under the microscope, Candida albicans appears as budding yeast cells and sometimes as pseudohyphae (elongated forms).
Treatment depends on the location and severity:
Topical antifungals: Creams or ointments for skin and vaginal infections.
Oral antifungals: Tablets like fluconazole for oral or systemic infections.
Good hygiene and dry skin: Help prevent recurrence.
Imagine your kitchen sink. If you keep it clean and dry, no problem. But if you let dirty water sit, germs and mould will grow. That’s similar to how Candida thrives in warm, moist areas when the body’s natural defences are down. Just like you’d scrub the sink clean, we use antifungal treatment to clear Candida infections.
Summary
- Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in the body without causing harm—until balance is disrupted.
- It can cause oral thrush, vaginal infections, skin infections, or serious systemic infections.
- Risk factors include antibiotics, poor immunity, diabetes, hormonal changes, and poor hygiene.
- Treatment includes antifungal creams, tablets, and maintaining good body hygiene.
Evaluation
- What type of fungus is Candida albicans?
- List two types of candidiasis and where they occur.
- Mention one factor that can trigger Candida overgrowth.
- What type of medicine is used to treat candidiasis?
- Why is systemic candidiasis more serious than oral or skin candidiasis?
You’ve done so well today, learning about a fungus that many people experience but few truly understand. This knowledge gives you power—not just as a student but as someone who can help others. You’re growing stronger, wiser, and more equipped every day. Keep your passion burning, and remember—Afrilearn is with you all the way. See you next class, champ!