Candida albicans is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the human body, particularly in the mouth, gut, and on the skin. It is usually harmless and coexists with other microorganisms. However, when the balance of these microorganisms is disrupted, Candida albicans can overgrow, leading to infections. These infections can occur in various parts of the body, most commonly causing conditions like thrush in the mouth or vaginal yeast infections. Factors such as a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, and diabetes can increase the risk of Candida albicans overgrowth and subsequent infections.