Candida albicans (PCR)

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that can exist in both yeast and pseudohyphae forms. This allows it to adapt and survive in a variety of environments. It is naturally found in moist areas of the human body, such as the oral mucosa, intestines, vagina and skin. It normally exists as a harmless commensal, but can become a pathogen under certain conditions. Typical symptoms of candidiasis in women include itching, vaginal pain, pain during intercourse, external dysuria and abnormal vaginal discharge. In men, redness and itching at the head of the penis, white discharge under the foreskin, bad breath, and pain during intercourse. If left untreated, the inflammation recurs and can lead to secondary bacterial infections, urinary tract infections and reproductive complications.