Candida albicans (sometimes referred to as monilia) is a fungus that is normally present on the skin and in mucous membranes such as the vagina, mouth, or rectum. The fungus also can travel through the blood stream and affect the throat, intestines, and heart valves.

Candida albicans becomes an infectious agent when there is some change in the body environment that allows it to grow out of control.

Most of the time, candida infections of the mouth, skin, or vagina occur for no apparent reason. A...