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Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Candida
Nicole Robbins1, Leah E Cowen1
1Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Among the millions of species in the fungal kingdom, fewer than 300 cause disease in humans, compared to the tens of thousands that cause disease in plants, insects, and ectothermic vertebrates. While the number of 'pathogenic' species is relatively small, fungal infections remain one of the leading threats to human health. Vulnerable populations with compromised immunity face the highest risk of serious infection, with over 2.5 million individuals succumbing to systemic fungal infections annually. Invasive candidiasis caused by Candida species is the leading cause of mycotic death worldwide, accounting for 88% of all hospital-acquired fungal infections in the United States. These infections are primarily caused by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, as well as non-albicans Candida species, including emerging drug-resistant organisms such as C. auris. In fact, C. albicans and C. auris are such significant public health threats that the World Health Organization recently identified these species as 'critical threat' pathogens that are ranked highest for perceived public health importance. In this primer, we highlight some biological features of Candida species that enable them to thrive as both commensals and pathogens, including morphological diversity, genotypic plasticity, and stress response pathways required to tolerate environmental insults, with a focus on C. albicans and C. auris. We also briefly summarize current antifungal treatments used to combat Candida infections and the resistance mechanisms that have evolved to counteract these therapeutics.
Insights
Fungal infections pose a significant threat, particularly invasive candidiasis caused by Candida species like Candida albicans and drug-resistant Candida auris. Understanding Candida
Area of Science:
- Mycology and Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Fungal infections are a major global health concern, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
- Invasive candidiasis, primarily caused by Candida albicans and emerging species like Candida auris, leads to significant mortality.
- Candida species are classified as critical threat pathogens by the World Health Organization due to their public health importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological characteristics of Candida species that facilitate their dual role as commensals and pathogens.
- To focus on the pathogenic mechanisms of Candida albicans and Candida auris.
- To summarize current antifungal therapies and the evolution of resistance mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Candida species biology.
- Analysis of virulence factors, morphological diversity, genotypic plasticity, and stress response pathways.
- Summary of clinical data on invasive candidiasis and antifungal treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Candida species possess adaptable traits, including morphological plasticity and robust stress responses, enabling survival in diverse host environments.
- Candida albicans and Candida auris exhibit significant pathogenic potential, contributing to high rates of hospital-acquired infections and mortality.
- Antifungal drug resistance is an evolving challenge, necessitating continuous research into novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Candida species represent a critical threat in human health due to their adaptability and increasing drug resistance.
- Further research into Candida biology is essential for developing effective treatments against invasive infections.
- Addressing antifungal resistance is paramount to improving patient outcomes and public health.
