Candida
Candida is a genus of yeasts, (the most important being Candida Albicans) that can cause fungal infections ("candidiasis") in humans and other animals", and that it typically lives in the intestines but can spread to other parts of the body when the immune system is suppressed. The predominant type of candida is Candida Albicans (meaning "whitish").
Candidiasis is responsible for several illnesses:
- Thrush - a mouth infection caused by Candida. It affects areas around the lips and inside the mouth. It is common in people with suppressed immune systems.
- Esophagitis — Candida that spreads to the esophagus from the mouth. Common in people with suppressed immune systems.
- Skin candidiasis - diaper rash is an example.
- Vaginal yeast infection - 75% of all women are likely to have one such infection during their lifetime.
- Deep candidiasis - candida spreads through the bloodstream to the entire body. This can cause fever, shock, and multiple organ failure. A survey by the Center for Disease Control estimates that 8 out of 100,000 people are infected each year.
