Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections in people. Its species name, albicans, comes from the Latin word for “white.” The yeast appears white when cultured on a plate. And in the case of certain infections, like thrush, it can create white patches. Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that is a common member of the human gut flora. It can also survive outside the human body.