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Exploring the Biology, Virulence, and General Aspects of Candida dubliniensis
Manuela Gómez-Gaviria1, Dario A Baruch-Martínez1, Héctor M Mora-Montes1
1Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, Mexico.
Abstract:
Fungal infections have become a growing public health concern, aggravated by the emergence of new pathogenic species and increasing resistance to antifungal drugs. The most common candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans; however, Candida dubliniensis has become an emerging opportunistic pathogen, and although less prevalent, it can cause superficial and systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This yeast can colonize the oral cavity, skin, and other tissues, and has been associated with oral infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), making it difficult to treat. The special interest in the study of this species lies in its ability to evade commonly used antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole, under different concentrations. In addition, it is difficult to identify because it can be confused with the species C. albicans, which could interfere with adequate treatment. Although the study of virulence factors in C. dubliniensis is limited, proteomic comparisons with C. albicans indicate that these virulence factors could be similar between the two species. However, differences could exist considering the evolutionary processes and lifestyle of each species. In this study, a detailed review of the current literature on C. dubliniensis was conducted, considering aspects such as biology, possible virulence factors, immune response, pathogen-host interaction, diagnosis, and treatment.
Insights
Emerging fungal pathogen Candida dubliniensis causes infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It exhibits antifungal drug resistance and diagnostic challenges, necessitating further research into its biology and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Fungal infections are a growing concern due to emerging pathogens and drug resistance.
- Candida dubliniensis is an opportunistic pathogen causing superficial and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- This yeast is associated with oral infections in HIV/AIDS patients and poses treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive literature review of Candida dubliniensis.
- To explore its biology, virulence factors, immune response, and host-pathogen interactions.
- To discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies for C. dubliniensis infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on Candida dubliniensis.
- Analysis of biological characteristics and virulence factors.
- Examination of diagnostic methods and treatment options.
Main Results:
- Candida dubliniensis exhibits resistance to fluconazole and can be misidentified as Candida albicans.
- Virulence factors may be similar to C. albicans but could differ due to evolutionary and lifestyle variations.
- Limited data exists on C. dubliniensis virulence factors, immune response, and host interactions.
Conclusions:
- Candida dubliniensis presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to drug resistance and identification difficulties.
- Further research is needed to fully understand its virulence, host interactions, and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.
- Addressing C. dubliniensis requires a multifaceted approach, including improved diagnostics and targeted treatments.
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