A candid take on Candida Albicans fungus is the subject of this article. Infections caused by this fungus are a rampant problem all over the world.
Candida Albicans is a resident fungal parasite, present in the gut of 80% of human population around the world. It is one of the several parasites that colonize the human intestine. Still, its relationship with humans is described as commensal, that is, it benefits from the intestinal abode, without damaging a host’s interests, most of the time. It has found its evolutionary niche. However, it can and does cause problems at times and then we must deal with it.
Its Genome
When the genome (genetic sequence) of Candida Albicans was studied, researchers uncovered some interesting facts. Rearrangement of chromosomal structure occurs in this organism, due to which it can change form and is therefore, dimorphic. This is a unique kind of adaptive strategy identified in a very few organisms. In biological terms, this phenomenon is called ‘phenotype switching’. Studies have shown that some strains of this fungus can take up to seven different types of forms.
Infections
This fungus can infect the human body and cause problems ranging from mild to serious. It is a type of yeast, a unicellular asexually reproducing fungus. The reason for the yeast infection caused by it is its unchecked overgrowth.
The intestine is populated by many more tenants, other than this fungal species. However, there is an equilibrium created, due to the nullification of one parasite’s growth by the other. Due to this phenomenon, none of the parasites dominate and grow to cause a major problem. This balance can, however, be disrupted by an indiscriminate ingestion of antibiotics that can wipe out most of them, except a few.
Once the equilibrium is disturbed, it can cause overgrowth of this fungus, resulting into infections. Thus, if the conditions are favorable, it grows and spreads in many parts of the body. The commensal relationship becomes a truly parasitic one. This unrestricted growth can prove to be fatal, if it’s not treated quickly. Many people prefer a detox with anti-candida diet to cleanse their colon.
The most common areas of the body, targeted by the fungus are the digestive system (the esophagus and intestines), the oral cavity, and genital organs. It mostly infects the gastrointestinal tract and therefore, constipation and candida are related. More worse than these localized infections are systemic infections wherein many parts of the body are simultaneously attacked by it.
That’s why, it is very important to keep it at bay early on, before it gets into its stride. Especially, people with immune system compromising diseases like AIDS or HIV positive patients need to be careful. As in such immune-compromised cases, this fungal infection can be fatal.
