Candida albicans /al″bəkanz/ , a common budding yeast; a microscopic fungal organism normally present in the mucous membranes of the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina of healthy people. Under certain circumstances, it may cause superficial infections of the skin, mouth, or vagina. Infection of the esophagus and severe invasive systemic infections may occur in persons with human immunodeficiency virus. See also candidiasis.
