Candida (fungus)

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Candida is a genus of yeasts. It is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide and the largest genus of medically important yeasts. The genus Candida encompasses about 200 species. Many species are harmless commensals or endosymbionts of hosts including humans. When mucosal barriers are disrupted or the immune system is compromised, however, they can invade and cause disease, known as an opportunistic infection. Candida is located on most mucosal surfaces and mainly the gastrointestinal tract, along with the skin. Candida albicans is one of the most commonly isolated species and can cause infections (candidiasis or thrush) in humans and other animals. In winemaking, some species of Candida can potentially spoil wines. Many species are found in gut flora, including C. albicans in mammalian hosts, whereas others live as endosymbionts in insects. Systemic infections of the bloodstream and major organs (candidemia or invasive candidiasis), particularly in patients with an impaired...

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