The fungus Candida albicans is the most common cause of human yeast infections, including vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush, particularly when the body's normal defenses are compromised.
The most common cause of human yeast infections is Candida albicans. This unicellular fungus is responsible for a variety of infections, including vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush. C. albicans is part of the normal microbiota in various parts of the body, such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and female urogenital tract. It can cause disease when there is a change in pH, immune defenses, or the normal bacterial population. Cutaneous candidiasis, oral thrush, and fungal vaginitis are some of the infections caused by this yeast. While other Candida species are clinically important, C. albicans remains the species most commonly associated with yeast infections.