Emerging antifungal resistance in Candida parapsilosis: the end of the innocence

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Candida parapsilosis is an opportunistic yeast recognized as a high-importance fungal pathogen by the WHO.
• It poses an increasing threat in healthcare settings due to environmental adaptability, human transmission, and antifungal resistance.
• Rising clinical importance is highlighted by increasing antifungal resistance and clonal outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an up-to-date synthesis of current knowledge on Candida parapsilosis.
• To address its epidemiology, environmental adaptability, and molecular mechanisms of resistance to azoles and echinocandins.
• To offer insights into the genetic determinants of antifungal resistance and identify areas for future research.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing research and data.
• Literature search and analysis of studies on Candida parapsilosis epidemiology and resistance.
• Focus on molecular mechanisms and genetic determinants of antifungal resistance.

Main Results:

• Candida parapsilosis exhibits significant environmental adaptability and propensity for transmission.
• The yeast demonstrates increasing resistance to key antifungal drug classes, including azoles and echinocandins.
• The resistome of C. parapsilosis involves specific genetic determinants contributing to resistance.

Conclusions:

• Candida parapsilosis represents a serious and growing public health threat.
• Understanding its epidemiology, adaptability, and resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective management.
• Further research is needed to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of this pathogen in healthcare systems.