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Candida lusitaniae: Biology, Pathogenicity, Virulence Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Diana F Mendoza-Reyes1, Manuela Gómez-Gaviria1, Héctor M Mora-Montes1
1Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, C.P. 36050, México.
Abstract:
The incidence of fungal infections is increasing at an alarming rate and has posed a great challenge for science in recent years. The rise in these infections has been related to the increase in immunocompromised patients and the resistance of different species to antifungal drugs. Infections caused by the different Candida species, especially Candida albicans, are one of the most common mycoses in humans, and the etiological agents are considered opportunistic pathogens associated with high mortality rates when disseminated infections occur. Candida lusitaniae is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen that most frequently affects immunocompromised patients with some comorbidity. Although it is a low-frequency pathogen, and the mortality rate of C. lusitaniae-caused candidemia does not exceed 5%, some isolates are known to be resistant to antifungals such as amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and fluconazole. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on this organism and its different aspects, such as its biology, possible virulence factors, pathogen-host interaction, diagnosis, and treatment of infection, is provided. Of particular interest, through Blastp analysis we predicted possible virulence factors in this species.
Insights
Emerging fungal infections pose a challenge due to rising immunocompromised patients and drug resistance. This review details Candida lusitaniae, an opportunistic pathogen with potential virulence factors and antifungal resistance.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Fungal infections are increasing, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.
- Candida species, especially Candida albicans, are common human mycoses.
- Candida lusitaniae is an emerging opportunistic pathogen, often affecting immunocompromised patients with comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of Candida lusitaniae.
- To discuss its biology, virulence factors, host-pathogen interactions, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To identify potential virulence factors through Blastp analysis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on Candida lusitaniae.
- Bioinformatic analysis (Blastp) to predict virulence factors.
Main Results:
- Candida lusitaniae is an emerging pathogen with a low mortality rate (<5%) in candidemia.
- Some isolates exhibit resistance to key antifungal drugs like amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and fluconazole.
- Blastp analysis predicted potential virulence factors in this species.
Conclusions:
- Candida lusitaniae represents a significant emerging threat in clinical mycology.
- Understanding its biology and virulence is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into its virulence factors and resistance mechanisms is warranted.
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