Opportunistic Infections: Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection of the mucous membranes caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. This fungus appears not only on mucous membranes but on the skin so there is really no way to avoid exposure to what is usually a harmless flora that occurs in approximately 80% of the U.S. population.

Candidiasis usually occurs in:

• the mouth and throat (oral candidiasis)
• the vagina (vaginal candidiasis)
• the esophagus (esophageal candidiasis)