Candida albicans

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Candida albicans
Candida albicans

What is Candida albicans?

Candida albicans is a yeast fungus. In about three quarters of all people, it permanently colonizes mucous membranes in mouth and intestines, and is present on the skin. Research shows that in healthy people, the immune system keeps the fungus under control. If the immune system is weakened, however, Candida albicans can enter the body through the bloodstream. Due to greater resistance to proven antifungal drugs, effective treatment is becoming increasingly difficult. Studies are currently trying to find the body’s own factors that control the fungus.

How is Candida albicans transmitted?

Candida albicans is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with contaminated people or objects. If a patient’s immune system is weakened after surgery or chemotherapy, for example as a result of a disease, Candida becomes a pathogen. In addition, therapy with an antibiotic can lead to the destruction of the skin flora, and facilitate the penetration of the fungus.

What are symptoms of the disease?

The fungus is able to grow through the tissue of its host and kill the affected cells. The consequences of such a fungal disease are infections of the skin, and the infestation of internal organs. If left untreated, infection with Candida albicans can cause severe damage such as organ failure – and even death.

Significance for infections in hospitals and in the outpatient sector

Candida fungi can cause lower respiratory tract infections, blood poisoning (sepsis), urinary tract infections, and postoperative wound infections. Candida albicans in particular is a serious pathogen that can cause infections of the bloodstream.

Survival time of pathogens on inanimate surfaces

1 day to 4 months

Disinfectant effectiveness for prevention

The necessary spectrum of activity against Candida albicans is: levuricidal

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