Candida is a genus of yeasts, which are a type of fungus. It includes about 200 species, many of which live harmlessly on human mucosal surfaces such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, mouth, and vagina. However, when the body's mucosal barriers are disrupted or the immune system is weakened, Candida can overgrow and cause infections known as candidiasis

. The most common species causing infections is Candida albicans , but other species like Candida glabrata , Candida tropicalis , Candida parapsilosis , Candida krusei , and the emerging Candida auris can also cause disease

. Candidiasis manifests in various forms depending on the site of infection:

• Vaginal yeast infections causing itching, soreness, and discharge.
• Oral thrush with white patches and soreness in the mouth and throat.
• Esophageal candidiasis causing pain and difficulty swallowing.
• Invasive candidiasis, a serious infection where Candida enters the bloodstream or internal organs, mainly affecting hospitalized or immunocompromised patients

Candida infections are treated with antifungal medications, which can be topical, oral, or intravenous depending on the severity and location of the infection

. In summary, Candida is a common yeast genus that normally coexists with humans but can cause fungal infections when overgrown, particularly in individuals with weakened immune defenses