<P> Some species of Candida use a non-standard genetic code in the translation of their nuclear genes into the amino acid sequences of polypeptides . The difference in the genetic code between species possessing the alternative code is that the codon CUG (normally encoding the amino acid leucine) is translated by the yeast as a different amino acid, serine . The alternative translation of the CUG codon in these species is due to a novel nucleic acid sequence in the serine - tRNA (ser - tRNACAG), which has a guanosine located at position 33, 5' to the anticodon . In all other tRNAs, this position is normally occupied by a pyrimidine (often uridine). This genetic code change is the only such known alteration in cytoplasmic mRNA, in both the prokaryotes, and the eukaryotes, involving the reassignment of a sense codon . This novel genetic code may be a mechanism for more rapid adaptation to the organism's environment, as well as playing an important role in the evolution of the genus Candida by creating genetic barriers that encouraged speciation </P> <P> Candida are almost universal in low numbers on healthy adult skin and C. albicans is part of the normal flora of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and female genital tracts . The dryness of skin compared to other tissues prevents the growth of the fungus, but damaged skin or skin in intertriginous regions is more amenable to rapid growth . </P> <P> Overgrowth of several species including C. albicans can cause infections ranging from superficial, such as oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush) or vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal candidiasis) and subpreputial candidiasis which may cause balanitis, to systemic, such as fungemia and invasive candidiasis . Oral candidiasis is common in elderly denture wearers . In otherwise healthy individuals, these infections can be cured with topical or systemic antifungal medications (commonly over-the - counter antifungal treatments like miconazole or clotrimazole). In debilitated or immunocompromised patients, or if introduced intravenously, candidiasis may become a systemic disease producing abscess, thrombophlebitis, endocarditis, or infections of the eyes or other organs . Typically, relatively severe neutropenia is a prerequisite for Candida to pass through the defenses of the skin and cause disease in deeper tissues; in such cases, mechanical disruption of the infected skin sites is typically a factor in the fungal invasion of the deeper tissues . </P> <P> C. albicans has been used in combination with carbon nanotubes (CNT) to produce stable electrically conductive bio-nano - composite tissue materials that have been used as temperature sensing elements . </P>

The organism classified as candida spp. are not normally found on the skin