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

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

Published on: March 19, 2019

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus Species: A Threatening Twosome

Hans Carolus^1,2, Katrien Van Dyck^1,2, Patrick Van Dijck^1,2

¹Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Frontiers in Microbiology

|October 18, 2019

Abstract:

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus species are, respectively, the most common fungal and bacterial agents isolated from bloodstream infections, worldwide. Moreover, it has been shown that 20% of all C. albicans bloodstream infections are polymicrobial in nature, with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus being the first and third most common co-isolated organisms, respectively. These species are part of the commensal microbial flora but can cause hospital-acquired infections with an extreme ability to inhabit diverse host niches, especially in immunocompromised patients. They are well known for their ability to form persistent biofilms in the host or on abiotic surfaces such as indwelling medical devices. Interactions within these biofilm communities can lead to increased virulence, drug tolerance, and immune evasion. This can ultimately impact morbidity and infection outcome, often leading to an increased mortality. Therefore, characterizing the interactions between these species could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that target polymicrobial infections. In this mini review, we briefly highlight the current knowledge and most recent insights into the complex interspecies interactions of C. albicans with Staphylococcus bacteria.

Insights

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus species frequently cause bloodstream infections, often together in polymicrobial cases. Understanding their interactions is key to developing new treatments for these serious hospital-acquired infections.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Infectious Diseases
Medical Mycology and Bacteriology

Background:

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus species are leading causes of bloodstream infections globally.
These microbes commonly form polymicrobial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Biofilm formation by these species enhances virulence, drug resistance, and immune evasion, increasing mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on interspecies interactions between Candida albicans and Staphylococcus species.
To highlight recent insights into these complex microbial relationships.
To inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for polymicrobial infections.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on Candida albicans and Staphylococcus interactions.
Analysis of data on co-isolation rates in bloodstream infections.
Synthesis of information on biofilm formation and virulence factors.

Main Results:

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus species are frequently co-isolated in bloodstream infections.
These interactions within biofilms contribute to increased pathogenicity and treatment challenges.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

Characterizing the interactions between Candida albicans and Staphylococcus species is essential for combating polymicrobial infections.
This knowledge can guide the development of targeted therapies.
Further research into these interspecies dynamics holds promise for reducing infection-related morbidity and mortality.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Candida albicans Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms interkingdom interactions interspecies interactions polymicrobial infections

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