Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
08:48

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

[Pathogenicity of Candida albicans]

R Rüchel1

  • 1Abteilung Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Universität Göttingen.

Immunitat Und Infektion
|August 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Candida albicans, a common fungus, can cause infections by invading human tissues when epithelial regeneration is impaired. Its virulence factors enable persistence and deep host penetration during immune deficiencies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Candida albicans is unique as the sole fungus in human mucosal microbial flora.
  • Its virulence factors contribute to persistence on mucosal surfaces.
  • Impaired epithelial regeneration allows C. albicans to invade host tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the virulence factors of Candida albicans.
  • To understand the mechanisms of mucosal invasion by C. albicans.
  • To explore C. albicans' role in opportunistic infections.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of virulence factors in C. albicans.
  • In vitro studies on epithelial cell interactions.
  • Investigation of host-pathogen dynamics during immune suppression.

Main Results:

  • C. albicans possesses specific virulence factors enabling mucosal persistence.
  • Mechanisms like mimicry and secretory hydrolases facilitate host invasion.
  • Deep tissue penetration observed during granulocytopenia and immunodeficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Candida albicans' virulence factors are key to its opportunistic pathogenicity.
  • The fungus can invade host tissues via specific mechanisms when defenses are weakened.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for managing C. albicans infections.

More Related Videos

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract07:42

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Published on: July 1, 2020

An Optimized Protocol for Candida albicans Infection in Schmidtea mediterranea to Study Fungal Pathogenesis and Host Defense06:53

An Optimized Protocol for Candida albicans Infection in Schmidtea mediterranea to Study Fungal Pathogenesis and Host Defense

Published on: April 17, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...