What condition is commonly caused by Candida albicans?

Candida albicans is a type of yeast that is a common cause of infections in humans, primarily because it is a part of the normal flora of the body. When the balance of microorganisms is disrupted, Candida can overgrow and lead to various infections, the most well-known of which is a yeast infection. This type of infection can occur in various areas, such as the vaginal area or the mouth (where it is referred to as thrush).

The other conditions listed—strep throat, gonorrhea, and chlamydia—are caused by bacterial infections, not yeast. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and chlamydia is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. None of these are associated with Candida albicans, underscoring that a yeast infection is uniquely linked to this particular fungus. This understanding helps to clarify the distinct nature of fungal infections compared to bacterial infections, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and causative agents for proper diagnosis and treatment.