Pathogenesis and Virulence of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

Dear Colleagues,

Candida species form part of the normal microbiota of an individual’s oral cavity, gastrointestinal, urinary and vaginal tracts. While normally harmless, conditions may arise that facilitate Candida infection (candidosis), which may manifest superficially at mucosal surfaces, or systemically. The incidence of human candidosis has increased in recent decades and whilst superficial infections are more prevalent, systemic infections have a much morbidity and mortality. Important risk factors for development of systemic infection include the more widespread use of invasive medical devices, an increase use of parenteral nutrition, higher occurrence of immunosuppression diseases, and greater use of chemo- and radiotherapies. To cause infection, Candida possess several virulence factors, and these include filamentous or hyphal growth, secretion of hydrolases, and an ability to adhere and produce biofilm on host surfaces.

In clinical infection, Candida albicans is the most commonly encountered species of Candida, with an incidence of approximately 47% in all candidoses. However, in recent decades, the number of infections caused by non-Candida albicans Candida species has increased significantly, and in this regard Candida glabrata has been prominent. Although C. glabrata lacks some of the virulence factors associated with C. albicans pathogenicity, such as hyphal growth and secreted hydrolases, it can be extremely resistant to antifungals. Moreover, C. glabrata has often found to be co-isolated with C. albicans where increased pathogenicity has been noted. Due to the high significance of Candida infections, especially those caused by C. albicans and C. glabrata, we would like to receive your contributions on this field, to promote increased understanding and awareness within this extremely important subject.

Prof. Dr. Mariana Henriques
Prof. Dr. David Williams
Guest Editors

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