Candida

Candida is a genus of yeasts and is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Many species are harmless commensals or endosymbionts of hosts including humans; however, when mucosal immunity is disrupted, they can cause opportunistic infections. Candida species are the most common cause of fungal infections in humans.

Characteristics

Candida species are typically unicellular and asexually reproduce by budding. They can form pseudohyphae and true hyphae under certain conditions. The genus includes about 200 species, but only a few are known to cause human disease.

Pathogenicity

Candida species can cause candidiasis in humans, which can range from superficial infections such as oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. The most common pathogenic species is Candida albicans, but other species such as Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei are also significant.

Superficial Infections

Superficial infections caused by Candida species include oral candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and cutaneous candidiasis. These infections are usually treated with antifungal medications such as fluconazole or nystatin.

Systemic Infections

Systemic candidiasis occurs when Candida species enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This can lead to candidemia, endocarditis, meningitis, and other severe conditions. Systemic infections are more common in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Candida infections typically involves microscopy, culture, and molecular methods such as PCR. Blood cultures are often used to diagnose systemic infections.

Treatment

Treatment of Candida infections depends on the severity and location of the infection. Superficial infections are usually treated with topical or oral antifungal agents, while systemic infections require intravenous antifungal therapy. Common antifungal drugs include fluconazole, amphotericin B, and echinocandins.

Selected species

• Candida albicans
• Candida glabrata
• Candida parapsilosis
• Candida tropicalis
• Candida krusei

See also

• Candidiasis
• Fungal infection
• Antifungal
• Opportunistic infection