What is this yeast, Candida albicans?
Candida albicans is termed a yeast or a yeast-like fungus, which is found in the intestinal tract of human beings. Yeast cells are much like our own cells in terms of size. Yeast cells have a capsule. Yeast display receptors (branch like stuctures coming out from the surface of the cell), much as our own cells do. In the intestinal tract, yeast share space with bacteria. Both bacteria and yeast can attach (adhere) to the inside wall of the intestinal tract. The good bacteria which adhere protect us from the adherence of “bad bugs” such as Salmonella and Shigella. These bacteria both cause diarrhea. Candida albicans unfortunately can adhere also. Bacteria are much smaller and do not resemble our own cells. The usual bacteria present are benign and do not harm us. The use of antibiotics can clear out these more benign bacteria and make room for yeast and for other bacteria which can cause disease. Candida is not the same as the common yeast used in making bread. The common bread yeast is
