Candidiasis: pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and treatment

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Candida species are common commensal organisms in humans, residing on skin and mucous membranes.
• These fungi can transition from harmless colonization to aggressive pathogens, causing acute and chronic diseases.
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis presents in various clinical forms, while systemic candidemia carries a high mortality rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations of Candida infections.
• To discuss current therapeutic options for oropharyngeal candidiasis and candidemia.
• To highlight the emerging challenge of antifungal resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Candida pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and treatment.
• Analysis of epidemiological data regarding Candida colonization and infection rates.
• Examination of current antifungal treatment guidelines and resistance patterns.

Main Results:

• Candida infections range from superficial oral thrush to invasive candidemia with significant mortality.
• Common oral presentations include pseudomembranous, atrophic, and hyperplastic forms.
• Antifungal drugs like nystatin, clotrimazole, and fluconazole are standard treatments, but resistance is increasing.

Conclusions:

• Candida infections pose a significant health burden, necessitating effective management strategies.
• The rise in antifungal resistance, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, requires ongoing monitoring and research.
• Development of novel therapeutic approaches may be crucial to combat resistant Candida strains.