Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Induction of Petite Colonies in Candida glabrate via Rose Bengal-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy
09:06

Induction of Petite Colonies in Candida glabrate via Rose Bengal-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy

Published on: March 29, 2024

Candida parapsilosis: a review of its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, typing and antimicrobial

Eveline C van Asbeck1, Karl V Clemons, David A Stevens

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA.

Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|October 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Candida parapsilosis is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing infections in various hosts. Understanding its virulence factors and transmission is crucial for managing nosocomial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Candida parapsilosis is an emerging opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen.
  • It causes diverse pathologies in immunocompromised individuals and neonates.
  • Factors contributing to its emergence include skin colonization, proliferation in glucose solutions, and adherence to plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review basic science, clinical, and experimental data on Candida parapsilosis.
  • To highlight the importance of determining genetic relatedness and common sources during outbreaks.
  • To discuss virulence factors and the need for further research into host-pathogen interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of basic science, clinical, and experimental studies.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to Candida parapsilosis emergence and virulence.
  • Summary of current knowledge on host-pathogen interactions.

Main Results:

  • Candida parapsilosis exhibits significant opportunistic and nosocomial pathogenicity.
  • Virulence is linked to biofilm formation, phospholipase, and aspartyl protease production.
  • Genetic relatedness and source identification are critical during outbreaks.

Conclusions:

  • Candida parapsilosis poses a significant threat, particularly in healthcare settings.
  • Further research into host-pathogen interactions is essential for effective treatment and prevention.
  • Understanding virulence mechanisms is key to combating infections caused by this pathogen.

More Related Videos

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms06:50

A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms

Published on: September 16, 2022

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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,...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.