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Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: February 18, 2015
Candida glabrata: an emerging oral opportunistic pathogen
L Li1, S Redding, A Dongari-Bagtzoglou
1Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030-1710, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|February 23, 2007
Summary
Candida glabrata is an emerging oral pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It shows unique adherence properties and resistance to antifungals, requiring further study for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Oral Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida glabrata is an opportunistic pathogen increasingly recognized in oral mucosa infections.
- Risk factors include immunosuppression, denture use, antibiotic therapy, and aging.
- Previous research on C. glabrata virulence factors and host interactions was limited but is growing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on Candida glabrata's virulence factors and host-pathogen interactions in the oral cavity.
- To highlight C. glabrata's unique characteristics compared to Candida albicans.
- To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Candida glabrata oral infections.
- Comparative analysis of C. glabrata and C. albicans virulence attributes.
- Examination of C. glabrata's adherence, immune response, and antifungal resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- C. glabrata exhibits lower keratinocyte adherence but higher denture adherence than C. albicans.
- It shows reduced susceptibility to host defense mechanisms like beta-defensins and salivary histatins/mucins.
- C. glabrata possesses innate and acquired antifungal resistance, contributing to its emergence in immunocompromised hosts.
Conclusions:
- Candida glabrata is an important emerging oral pathogen with distinct virulence properties.
- Its resistance to antifungals and immune evasion mechanisms warrant further investigation.
- More research is needed to fully understand its pathogenesis and develop targeted therapies.
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