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Characteristics
Morphology
Fungus belonging to the Candiaceae family. Polymorphic fungus as it can occur as yeast or pseudohyphal forms.
Disease

Opportunistic commensal pathogen causing candidiasis such as thrush (oral), vaginal infections, superficial infection of mucous membranes, eye infections, macerated skin infections.
Zoonosis

None.
Health Hazards
Host Range
Humans.
Modes of Transmission
Most infections result from the patient’s own flora, rather than from cross infection.
Signs and Symptoms 
Most frequent clinical form is thrush/oral candidiasis and is characterized by white patches.
Infectious Dose Unknown.
Incubation Period 
Unknown.
Medical Precautions/Treatment
Prophylaxis None.
Vaccines None.
Treatment
Amphotericin B, nystatin, flucytosine, the azoles, echinocandins
Surveillance Monitor for symptoms.
MSU Requirements Report any exposures
Laboratory Hazards
Laboratory Acquired Infections (LAIs)
Low risk of infection. A medical student has been reported to have developed a rash and folliculitis 2 days after she spilled a heavy suspension of C. albicans on her leg while conducting a laboratory experiment.
 Sources
Epithelial scrapings or exudates from lesions, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and blood. Cultures, frozen stocks, other samples described in IBC protocol.
Supplemental References
Canadian PSDS:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/candida-albicans-pathogen-safety-data-sheet.html
BMBL
 https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html
NIH Guidelines
Risk Group & Containment Requirements
Risk Group 2

Agents that are associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available.
BSL2
For all procedures involving suspected or known infectious specimen or cultures.
ABSL2
For all procedures utilizing infected animals.
Spill Procedures
Small
Notify others working in the lab. Remove PPE and don new PPE. Cover area of the spill with absorbent material and add fresh 1:10 bleach:water. Allow 20 munutes (or as directed) of contact time. After 20 minutes, cleanup and dispose of materials.
Large
  • Immediately notify all personnel in the lab and clear all personnel from the area. Remove any contaminated PPE/clothing and leave the lab. 
  • Secure the area by locking doors, posting signage and guarding the area to keep people out of the space. 
For assistance, contact MSU's Biosafety Officer (406-994-6733) or Safety and Risk Management (406-994-2711).
Exposure Procedures
Mucous membrane
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 5 minutes at eyewash station.
Other Exposures
Wash area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
Reporting
Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete a First Report of Injury form, and submit to Safety and Risk Management.
Medical Follow-up
During business hours: Bridger Occupational Health 3406 Laramie Drive. Weekdays 8am -6pm.  Weekends 9am-5pm
After business hours: Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Emergency Room 915 Highland Blvd Bozeman, MT
Viability
Disinfection
Susceptible to 1:10 bleach:water, 70 % ethanol, and 4 % potassium iodide, accelerated hydrogen peroxide
Inactivation
Inactivated by moist heat (1 hour at 121oC).
Survival Outside Host
Can survive on inanimate surfaces for 24 hours to 120 days, and on palms for about 45 minutes.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum PPE Requirements
Lab coat, disposable gloves, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, long pants
Additional Precautions
 Additioanl PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs and IBC Protocol.