Candida Species
There are actually several different species of Candida. The word “Candida” refers to a an entire genus of yeasts (fungus), many of which are present in the body or on the skin of all living humans. In the vast majority of us (approx 80% to 90%) Candida does not cause harm to our healthy state. However when the Candida are allowed to flourish and overpopulate, serious infections in the bloodstream or female genitallia can occur. Several conditions are believed to be responsible for allowing Candida to flourish uncontrolled. Patients with weakened immune systems, diabetics, recent antibiotic use, or possibly even certain diets overly rich in sugar or yeast, are thought to be the main culprit.
Other Medically Important “Candida Species” are:
- Candida Albicans
- Candida Parpsilosis
- Candida Tropicallis
- Candida Dubliniensis
Candida Species In-depth
Candida parapsilosis
Candida parapsilosis is a fungal species of the yeast family that has become a significant cause of sepsis and of wound and tissue infections in immuno-compromised patients. The immune system is a major player in Candida parapsilosis infections. Unlike Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosisis not an obligate human pathogen, having been isolated from nonhuman sources such as domestic animals, insects or soil. Candida Species such as Candida parapsilosis is also a normal human commensal and it is one of the fungi most frequently isolated from the human hands. There are several risk factors which can help the Candida Species parapsilosis to colonize human host.
Immuno-compromised individuals and surgical patients, particularly those having surgery of the gastrointestinal tract are at high risk for infection with Candida parapsilosis. There is currently no consensus on the treatment of invasive Candida parapsilosis diseases, although the therapeutic approach typically includes the extraction of any removable foreign bodies and the administration of a systemic anti fungal. Historically, Amphotericin B has been the most frequently used anti fungal. Fluconazole is a frequently administrated alternative to Amphotericin B. (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_parapsilosis)
Candida Tropicallis
Candida tropicalis is a species of yeast in the genus Candida. It is easily recognized as a common medical yeast pathogen, existing as part of the normal human flora. (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_tropicalis)
Candida Dubliniensis
Candida dubliniensis is a fungal opportunistic pathogen originally isolated from AIDS patients. It is also occasionally isolated from immunocompetent individuals. It is a dimorphic yeast of the genus Candida, very closely related to Candida albicans but forming a distinct phylogenetic cluster in DNA fingerprinting. It is most commonly isolated from oral cavities, and is also occasionally found in other anatomical sites. (source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_dubliniensis)
Effective Treatments for the Candida Species
One of the most effective tools to help treat candida or candidiasis is the candida diet. Since everyone on the planet has some form of candida, the candida diet has proved time and time again to eliminate the problem and bring candida back to acceptable levels in the human body. Yes everyone has some form of candida in their system.
