Candida tropicalis is a yeast species that can be part of the normal human microbiota, especially in the gastrointestinal tract and mucosal surfaces. It has a higher pathogenic potential than some other non-albicans Candida species and is frequently linked to systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. In the gut, increased levels of C. tropicalis may indicate fungal overgrowth, dysbiosis, or a weakened immune system. Its detection in stool tests can aid in identifying imbalances in the gut mycobiome and possible sources of inflammation or infection.
It is a yeast that typically resides in the gut but can turn pathogenic, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Raised levels might indicate fungal overgrowth, gut dysbiosis, or underlying health issues.
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 intake, or chronic illness.