LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Candida: Candida Albicans
built 791 days ago
Candida is an opportunistic fungus that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. When candida overgrows in the body, it can cause illnesses such as thrush and candidiasis. Today, doctors are finding more patients with overgrowth of C. albicans and other pathogenic fungi. The main predisposing risk factors for fungal infection include alterations in immunity associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, poor and sugary diet, nutrient deficiencies, heightened toxic exposure, stress, underlying malignancy, HIV infection, organ transplantation, chemotherapy and other immunosuppressive drug therapy. These and other factors, such as changes in endocrine and metabolic balance, may enhance fungal colonization, alter the body’s inner ecology and lower host's immune response.
Source:
Candida albicans is the most common of the Candida species, which are ubiquitous, opportunistic pathogens that colonize more than half of all healthy individuals in the U.S., causing systemic disease in nearly 15% of those who are immunocompromised. Resulting diseases include:
Source:
The completion of the 10.9x sequence of the Candida albicans genome (Jones, et al. 2004. PNAS 101:7329-7334) and its annotation (Braun, et al. 2005. PloS Genetics 1: 37-57), has provided Candida researchers with important tools for the analysis of this important human pathogen. However, since the sequence was not completely finished and there is no genetic map, ordering and assignment to chromosomes of contigs and their genes was impossible without a physical map. The extensive heterozygosity found in strain SC5314, whose genome was sequenced, may have important biological consequences. In order to provide information and tools to address these needs and problems, a physical map, based on a fosmid library, was used in conjunction with a new assembly, Assembly 20, based on bioinformatics, to provide completed sequence for most chromosomes.
Source:
SNP data from Forche A, Magee PT, Magee BB, May G Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism map for Candida albicans. Eukaryotic Cell. 2004 Jun;3(3):705-14 are now available at CGD. SNP locations were mapped to each C. albicans genome assembly using the original marker sequences, and SNPs can be viewed in the GBrowse Genome Browser by selecting the "SNP" track. An example can be viewed here. Please note that you may need to select the checkbox next to the SNP track, which is listed under "General tracks," and then select "Update Image" to see the SNPs.
Source:
Candida... known as Thrush, is often associated with the well-known female vaginal infection. It presents as a white, cottage cheese vaginal discharge and is often associated with vaginal itching. Its cause is an overgrowth of the organism Candida Albicans.
Source:
An overgrowth of Candida albicans in the intestinal tract is known as candidiasis, and is particularly encouraged by the use of antibiotics. This is because Candida is normally kept under control by so-called 'friendly' bacteria in the intestines.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Candida Albicans