candida

n.
Any of the yeastlike imperfect fungi of the genus Candida that are normally present on the skin and in the mucous membranes of the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina, and that may become pathogenic, especially C. albicans, the causative agent of thrush.

[Latin, feminine of candidus, white. See candid.]

For more information on candida, visit Britannica.com.

Genus of yeasts that inhabit the gut. C. albicans can, under some circumstances, cause candidiasis (thrush).

A group of yeast-like fungi that lives in moist areas of the body, including the alimentary tract and vagina. Normally, the populations of candida are kept in check by beneficial bacteria in the body, but sometimes they grow beyond tolerance levels and the infected person suffers a disease called candidiasis or thrush. In the vagina, thrush causes a white discharge and is accompanied by itching and soreness. Some doctors believe that heavy infections of candida in the gut can contribute to a wide range of different disorders, including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel function, soreness, and itching.

Some nutritionists believe that the incidence of candidiasis is affected by an individual's health and diet. The fungi are thought to thrive on simple sugars, bread, and biscuits, as well as fermented foods such as yoghurt, cheese, and alcohol, which form a large part of the modern diet. A person in good health can usually keep candida under control, but if the immune system is weakened by illness or stress, or if friendly bacteria are killed off (for example, by antibiotics) the opportunistic fungus grows rapidly. People suffering from candidiasis often have cravings for sweets and yeast-containing foods and drinks, which makes weight control very difficult. Candidiasis can be treated with a special diet that emphasizes the avoidance of yeasty foods and the foods on which candida thrive, but doctors often use anti-candida drugs, such as nystatin.

A genus of yeast, commonly part of the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract and vagina, but can cause a variety of diseases. Most infections are associated with predisposing factors, particularly immune suppression. Only C. albicans is commonly associated with disease. See also candidiasis.

• C. albicans — causes thrush in the mouth, crop, proventriculus and the gizzard of birds, and stomatitis, pneumonia and miscellaneous infections in other species. See candidiasis. Previously called Monilia albicans.
• C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, C. pseudotropicalis, C. rugosa, C. tropicalis — have been associated with mastitis in cattle.
• C. parapsilosis — associated with necrotizing placentitis and abortion in cattle.

IN BRIEF: n. - Any of the yeastlike imperfect fungi of the genus Candida.

Tutor's tip: The doctor was very "candid" (frank, honest) when she told the patient that "candied" (cooked or preserved in sugar) yams would make "Candida" (a yeastlike infection) worse.

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