Avian Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Control

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Poultry Health

Background:

• Avian candidiasis, primarily caused by *Candida albicans*, poses economic challenges in poultry production.
• Increasing prevalence of non-albicans *Candida* species and rising antifungal resistance are significant concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of avian candidiasis, covering pathogenesis, predisposing factors, diagnostics, and treatment.
• To highlight knowledge gaps and emphasize the need for integrated surveillance systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on avian candidiasis.
• Analysis of virulence factors, predisposing conditions, diagnostic techniques, and antifungal susceptibility.
• Discussion of treatment strategies and prevention measures.

Main Results:

• Key virulence factors include adhesins, morphogenesis, candidalysin, biofilms, and hydrolytic enzymes.
• Predisposing factors involve immunosuppression, malnutrition, antibiotic misuse, and poor husbandry.
• Nystatin and amphotericin B remain effective, while azole resistance is increasing, particularly in non-albicans species.

Conclusions:

• Effective management requires sanitation, proper nutrition, and judicious antimicrobial use.
• Further research is needed on avian-specific pharmacokinetics, virulence phenotypes, and point-of-care diagnostics.
• Integrated One Health surveillance is crucial due to the zoonotic potential of avian *Candida* reservoirs.