Candida albicans Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the scientific name of the pathogen?

Candida albicans

What is the disease name caused by Candida albicans?

Candiasis: thrush; yeast infection

What is the domain classification of Candida albicans?

Fungi

Is Candida albicans prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Eukaryotic Signup and view all the answers

What is the morphology of Candida albicans with respect to gram stain?

Gram (+), dimorphic fungus (pseudohyphae) Signup and view all the answers

Does Candida albicans produce spores?

True Signup and view all the answers

Is Candida albicans motile?

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the oxygen requirements of Candida albicans?

Facultative anaerobic Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Candida albicans in women?

20% of women have it in the vagina, especially during pregnancy and when on oral contraceptives. Signup and view all the answers

What are the pathogenic properties of Candida albicans?

Inflammatory response to overgrowth of the yeast that is normally present at low levels in normal flora. Signup and view all the answers

What is the geographic occurrence of Candida albicans?

Worldwide Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered high-risk individuals for Candida albicans infections?

Immunocompromised; people on antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is the reservoir for Candida albicans?

Humans Signup and view all the answers

What parts of the host body can be infected by Candida albicans?

Skin, genitals, throat, mouth, blood Signup and view all the answers

What are the methods of transmission for Candida albicans?

Part of normal flora; contact with excretion from infected individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the portals of entry for Candida albicans?

Vagina, mouth, skin folds Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period for Candida albicans infection?

12 hrs - 5 days (variable) Signup and view all the answers

What type of period does an illness caused by Candida albicans have?

Acute Signup and view all the answers

Is Candida albicans contagious from person to person?

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs and symptoms of Candida albicans infection?

Itching and burning sensations; thick white discharge; pain/difficulty swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious complication related to Candida albicans?

Systemic candidiasis Signup and view all the answers

What are the diagnostic methods for detecting Candida albicans?

Microscopic examination cultures Signup and view all the answers

What are preventive measures for Candida albicans infections?

Keep skin clean, dry, and free from open wounds. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Candida albicans Overview

Scientific name of the pathogen is Candida albicans.
Causes candiasis, commonly referred to as thrush or yeast infection.

Classification and Characteristics

Belongs to the domain Fungi.
It is a eukaryotic organism, as opposed to prokaryotic bacteria.
Displays a gram (+) classification and is recognized as a dimorphic fungus due to its pseudohyphae structure.

Reproduction and Growth

Produces chlamydospores as its spores.
Lacks motility; does not move on its own.

Environmental and Biological Needs

Functions as a facultative anaerobe, able to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Worldwide distribution; present in various geographical locations.
Particularly affects high-risk individuals such as the immunocompromised or those on antibiotics.
Reservoir primarily includes humans.

Infection and Transmission

Commonly infects areas such as the skin, genitals, throat, mouth, and can enter the bloodstream.
Can be transmitted through contact with excretions from an infected individual; part of the normal flora.

Pathogenesis and Symptoms

The typical incubation period ranges from 12 hours to 5 days, varying among individuals.
The illness presents as acute, characterized by indicators that include:
- Itching and burning sensations associated with yeast infections.
- Thick white discharge.
- Pain or difficulty swallowing.

Complications and Diagnostic

Serious complications may arise, leading to systematic candidiasis if left untreated.
Diagnostic methods include microscopic examination and cultures of infected samples.

Prevention and Care

Preventive measures include keeping the skin clean, dry, and free from open wounds to reduce the risk of infections.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Candida albicans with these flashcards. The quiz covers scientific classification, diseases associated with the pathogen, and its morphology. Ideal for students in microbiology or those studying infectious diseases.