Chlamydospore production is demonstrated by which species of Candida?

Chlamydospores are a type of fungal spore that can be produced by certain species of fungi, including some yeasts. In the context of Candida species, Candida albicans is particularly notable for its ability to form chlamydospores. This characteristic is often used as a key identification feature in laboratory identification of fungi.

C. albicans is a dimorphic fungus, meaning it can exist in both yeast and hyphal forms. When grown under specific conditions, particularly on solid media, it has the ability to produce chlamydospores, which are thick-walled spores that can withstand unfavorable conditions. The presence of chlamydospores can signal that the organism is under stress, and they serve as a survival mechanism.

The other species of Candida listed do not typically produce chlamydospores. For instance, C. glabrata and C. krusei are more often associated with simple yeast forms without the characteristic filamentous structures and chlamydospores, and C. tropicalis also does not produce these structures. Thus, C. albicans stands out among the options for its ability to produce chlamydospores, making it the correct answer. Understanding this key