[Pathomechanisms in Candida albicans infections]

The adherence of the pathogen to the host cell is the first and decisive step in Candida albicans infections of the human organism. The mechanisms involved are mostly examined in human epithelial cells which are newly exfoliated and which therefore have a limited life expectancy. In this case, the glycoproteins on the cell surface of Candida albicans--mainly the mannan--are of central importance. They are the main component of the fungus to adhere to the host cell as well as to bind and activate the serum complement. Finally, the role of mannan in the interaction with host defence mechanisms is stressed.