Atlas Two · Pathogen Atlas · 03-fungi

Candida albicans

Diploid dimorphic fungus; most common human fungal pathogen. Commensal of oral mucosa, GI tract, vagina (25% carriage). Yeast-to-hypha transition is virulence switch. Causes thrush, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and invasive candidiasis (mortality 40–60%) in immunocompromised hosts.

Also known as: C. albicans, monilia, thrush, candida

03-fungiClass
draftStatus
2026-06-05Last Reviewed
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candida-albicans

Candida albicans

Diploid dimorphic fungus; most common human fungal pathogen. Commensal of oral mucosa, GI tract, vagina (25% carriage). Yeast-to-hypha transition is virulence switch. Causes thrush, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and invasive candidiasis (mortality 40–60%) in immunocompromised hosts.