Monilia albicans

Monilia Albicans is a former name for the yeast-like fungus now known as Candida albicans. This fungus is a common member of the human gut flora. It does not usually cause disease in healthy individuals, but can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in the scientific literature by the botanist Christine Marie Berkhout in her doctoral thesis at the University of Utrecht in 1923. The name Monilia albicans was used until the 1980s, when the genus name was changed to Candida.

Biology

Candida albicans is a diploid organism which has eight pairs of chromosomes. It is a yeast that can grow both as single cells and as a network of strings or hyphae. This ability to change shape is unique among the yeasts and is called dimorphism.

Pathogenicity

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen in humans. Abnormal overgrowth can lead to candidiasis, which is often observed in immunocompromised individuals such as HIV-infected patients, organ transplant recipients, and those with cancer. Infections can also occur in healthy individuals when the balance of the normal flora is disturbed.

Treatment

Treatment of Candida albicans infections can be done with antifungal medications. The choice of drug depends on the location and severity of the infection. Commonly used drugs include fluconazole, ketoconazole, and amphotericin B.

See also

• Candidiasis
• Opportunistic infection
• Antifungal medication