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WHAT IS IT?
Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that grows both as a yeast and as filamentous cells. These cells exist as in a single cell form (yeast) and also will bud (with pseudohyphae)
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS
Germ tube test: cultures are inoculated into serum at 37°C, and grown for 3 hours leading to the formation of sure hype from the yeast (these growing hyphae are called “germ tubes”). The presence of these germ tubes helps identify this pathogen (compared to other fungal species).
MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS
TRANSMISSION
Opportunistic infection: frequent colonizer of the human skin and mucous membranes. Candida contributes to the normal flora of the skin, mouth, vagina, and intestine.
CONDITIONS CAUSED
Oral thrush:
Vulvovaginal candidiasis:
Cutaneous candidiasis:
TREATMENT
OTHER HY FACTS
Page Updated: 08.28.2016