Candida is an opportunistic fungus that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and vagina.

Candidias is an opportunistic fungus that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. When candida overgrows in the body, it can cause illnesses such as thrush and candidiasis. Today, doctors are finding more patients with overgrowth of C. albicans and other pathogenic fungi. The main predisposing risk factors for fungal infection include alterations in immunity associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, poor and sugary diet, nutrient deficiencies, heightened toxic exposure, stress, underlying malignancy, HIV infection, organ transplantation, chemotherapy and other immunosuppressive drug therapy. These and other factors, such as changes in endocrine and metabolic balance, may enhance fungal colonization, alter the body’s inner ecology and lower host's immune response.

C. albicans remains the most common infectious strain, accounting for approximately 50% of total Candida infections. Candida glabrata (8–18%), tropicalis (11–25%), parapsilosis (7–15%), and krusei (2–4%) have emerged as formidable players as well, and these pathogens display variable susceptibility to azole antifungal agents.

Candida species (spp) are a significant clinical problem for a variey of immunocompetent patients worldwide. Candidiasis has increased substantially in the past twenty years and Candida spp now rank fourth among microbes most frequently isolated from blood cultures and they are the most common opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients. Paradoxically, modern medical practice which has prolonged the survival of a large number of patients, has also made them more susceptible to candidiasis(11). Continue Reading >>