Virulence Factors of Non-Candida Albicans Candida Species

Candidosis have greatly increased over recent years, mainly due to the rise of the AIDS epidemic, an increasingly aged population, higher numbers of immunocompromised patients, and the more widespread use of indwelling medical devices. C. albicans is the main cause of candidosis, however, non- Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis are now frequently identified as potential human pathogens. The apparent increased recognition of these species as human pathogens can be attributed to improved identification methods and reflects the high level of resistance often exhibited by these Candida species to certain antifungal agents. Candida pathogenicity is facilitated by a number of virulence factors, most importantly adherence to host surfaces including medical devices, biofilm formation, and secretion of hydrolytic enzymes. Furthermore, despite extensive research to identify pathogenic factors in C. albicans, relatively little is known about NCAC species. The work presented in this book described the most relevant virulence factors of C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis.