Types of Candida

Candida is a genus or sub-group of naturally occurring yeasts, which includes about 154 different species. Among these species, five are the most clinically significant because of their capacity to cause infections in their human hosts.

Candida Albicans

• Also referred to as monilia, this is the most common type of candida. Like other types of candida species, it is an opportunistic causal agent for candidiasis, a type of fungal yeast infection. In fact, according to Clinical Microbiology Reviews (CMR), Candida albicans is also the most common causal agent of candidiasis. These yeast infections include thrush, which is an oral infection; vaginitis, an infection of the vagina; candidal onchomycosis, a fungal nail infection; and diaper rash.

Candida Glabrata

• Candida glabrata, previously referred to as Torulopsis glabrata, is a type of candida that is becoming a leading cause of oral candidiasis. It is particularly prevalent among people who have weakened or compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, cancer patients who are undergoing radiation treatment, and people who are HIV positive. CMR reports that candida glabrata infections have a particularly high mortality rate.

Candida Tropicalis

• Candida Tropicalis is a relatively more benign type of candida. It most commonly occurs in the digestive tract and can also be found on the skin. When it grows unchecked, it can develop into a fungal infection. Candida tropicalis is sometimes used in the production of bio-diesel from the olive tree.

Candida Parapsilosis

• Candida parapsilosis is of a type of candida that is of particular concern to hospitals. It has become a significant causal agent for sepsis and tissue infections in immuno-compromised patients. According to the Sanger Institute, the increasing prevalence of this type of candida in hospitals is particularly evident in Europe, where it is associated with almost 25 percent of all candida infections in European hospitals. Candida parapsilosis has an almost total, natural resistance to regular anti-fungal drugs.

Candida Krusei

• Candida krusei is a rare type of candida that is mainly found in immunocompromised human hosts. A research article by BMC Infectious Diseases reports that candida Krusei infections have been associated with high mortality rate, particularly among hospitalized patients. Its prevalence in hospital environments has been associated with the prophylactic use of antifungals. Like candida parapsilosis, candida krusei has a high natural resistance to standard anti-fungal treatments.