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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
06:53
An Optimized Protocol for Candida albicans Infection in Schmidtea mediterranea to Study Fungal Pathogenesis and Host Defense
Published on: April 17, 2026
Candida parapsilosis, an emerging fungal pathogen
David Trofa1, Attila Gácser, Joshua D Nosanchuk
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|October 16, 2008
Summary
Candida parapsilosis is a growing cause of invasive infections, particularly in neonates and ICU patients. Understanding its virulence factors is key to developing new treatments for this emerging pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Candida parapsilosis has emerged as a significant human pathogen over the last two decades.
- It is now a leading cause of invasive candidal disease, especially in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the increasing prevalence and clinical significance of Candida parapsilosis infections.
- To review the risk factors, pathogenesis, and emerging research on virulence.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and clinical case studies.
- Analysis of factors contributing to Candida parapsilosis pathogenesis.
- Discussion of advancements in molecular genetic tools for virulence studies.
Main Results:
- Candida parapsilosis infections are associated with hyperalimentation, medical devices, and healthcare worker transmission.
- Key virulence factors include enzyme secretion, adhesion to prosthetics, and biofilm formation.
- Neonates and intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at the highest risk.
Conclusions:
- Candida parapsilosis is a major and increasing threat in healthcare settings.
- Further understanding of its pathogenesis through molecular tools will aid in developing novel therapies.
- Effective management requires addressing nosocomial spread and host-specific vulnerabilities.
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