What type of pathogen is Candidiasis caused by?

Candidiasis is caused by a fungal pathogen, specifically the species Candida albicans. This organism is a type of yeast that is part of the normal flora found in the human body, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and vagina. Under certain conditions, such as immunosuppression, antibiotic use, or hormonal changes, Candida can proliferate and lead to infections.

Candidiasis can manifest in various forms, such as oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, or systemic infections in more severe cases. Understanding that Candida is a fungus rather than a bacterium, virus, or protozoan is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as each type of pathogen involves different mechanisms of infection and requires different therapeutic approaches.