Candida albicans infection in female, illustration - stock illustration

Candida albicans infection in female. Computer illustration showing vaginitis caused by Candida fungi and a close-up view of yeast and hyphae stages of Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast-like fungus commonly occurring on human skin, in the upper respiratory, alimentary and female genital tracts. This fungus has a dimorphic life cycle with yeast and hyphal stages. The yeast produces hyphae (strands) and pseudohyphae. The pseudohyphae can give rise to yeast cells by apical or lateral budding. Infection causes candidiasis which includes thrush (an infection of the mouth and vagina) and vulvo-vaginitis.