Monilia

Monilia is a historical and informal name that has been used to refer to several yeast-like fungi, but it is not a current, widely accepted genus in modern taxonomy. In medical mycology, the term has appeared in older literature for organisms now placed in the genus Candida, most famously for Candida albicans, which was once called Monilia albicans. In plant pathology, Monilia was also used for fungi that cause fruit rots, many of which have since been reclassified into the genus Monilinia.

In humans, infections historically called moniliasis are now understood as candidiasis. Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, are part of the normal human microbiota but can cause disease when the balance of flora is disrupted or the immune system is compromised. Mucocutaneous manifestations include oral thrush, esophagitis, vaginal candidiasis, and skin infections; invasive candidiasis can occur in hospitalized or immunosuppressed individuals. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, supported by microscopy, culture, or molecular tests. Treatment varies by site and severity and ranges from topical antifungals (such as azoles) for superficial infections to systemic antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, or echinocandins) for more extensive disease or immunocompromised patients.

In plant pathology, fungi once placed in Monilia, such as those causing brown rot of stone fruits, have been reassigned to Monilinia. This reflects advances in fungal taxonomy and improves clarity across medical and agricultural sciences. Today, Monilia is largely considered an obsolete generic name; contemporary discussions focus on Candida species in medicine and Monilinia species in plant pathology.