Potentially human pathogenic yeast fungus (shoot). C. albicans reproduces primarily by sprouting, but can also form hyphae and pseudohyphae (dimorphism). C. albicans is a human commensal (gastrointestinal tract; vagina). Morphologically, the step from the commensal to the pathogenic phase is characterized by the transition from the yeast to the mycelium phase.
On standard media, the Candida species show the typical growth behaviour after 1-4 days with the formation of white cream-coloured or red colonies with a matt shiny surface and a typical, intensive "smell of yeast".
For further details see Candida albicans (internal medicine)