Candida albicans (C. albicans) naturally lives in the human body and usually does not cause any problems. It is part of the normal microbiota and is commonly found in warm, moist places such as the mouth, intestines, vagina, and skin folds. Vaginal yeast infections are also called vaginal candidiasis or candidal vaginitis. This fungus can grow with or without oxygen and can switch between a round yeast form and a long, thread-like hyphae form, which helps it attach to tissues and invade when it begins to grow too much. Under normal conditions, good bacteria and the body’s natural defences keep yeast levels under control.
Unlike many other infectious microbes, C. albicans does not normally come from the outside environment or through contact; it usually exists harmlessly inside people until conditions allow it to multiply. The most common reasons this yeast grows too much include antibiotic use, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth-control pills), high blood sugar, tight or damp clothing, excessive sweating, and a weakened immune system. Although it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can sometimes spread between sexual partners. Newborn babies can develop oral thrush during childbirth if exposed to yeast in the birth canal. In hospitals, especially in people who are immunocompromised or those with catheters, C. albicans can enter the bloodstream and cause a much more serious infection. Warm, moist environments and changes in the body’s natural balance allows this yeast to multiply and lead to symptoms.
