Candida tropicalis is a yeast species that can exist as part of the normal human microbiota, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and mucosal surfaces. It has a higher pathogenic potential compared to some other non-albicans Candida species and is commonly associated with systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. In the gut, elevated levels of C. tropicalis may indicate fungal overgrowth, dysbiosis, or a weakened immune system. Its presence in stool testing can help identify imbalances in the gut mycobiome and potential sources of inflammation or infection.
It is a yeast that typically lives in the gut but can become harmful, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Elevated levels may indicate fungal overgrowth, gut dysbiosis, or underlying health imbalances.
While both can cause infections, C. tropicalis is often more common in bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients and may show greater resistance to treatment.
Factors include antibiotic use, immune suppression, high sugar consumption, or chronic illness.