Candida albicans

Classification

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Ascomycota
Class: Saccharomycetes
Order: Saccharomycetales
Family: Saccharomycetaceae
Genus: Candida
Species: Candida albicans

Morphology

Shape: Oval to round, yeast form; pseudohyphal form when transitioning to a pathogenic state
Size: 4-6 μm (yeast form), larger in pseudohyphal form
Staining: Gram-positive, PAS stain
Arrangement: Single cells, chains, or pseudohyphae
Motility: Non-motile
Special Features: Dimorphic, capable of switching from yeast to hyphal form for invasion

Habitat & Distribution

Natural Habitat: Human mucosal surfaces (mouth, vagina, intestines)
Geographic Distribution: Worldwide
Host Association: Opportunistic pathogen, infects humans (especially immunocompromised individuals)
Transmission: Endogenous overgrowth, rarely through direct contact with infected surfaces

Candida albicans is the leading cause of candidiasis, an infection that can range from superficial mucosal infections to severe systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Virulence Factors: Ability to form biofilms, expression of adhesins, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, ability to transition between yeast and hyphal forms
Associated Diseases: Oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, invasive candidiasis, candidemia
Clinical Symptoms: White patches in the mouth or throat, itching and irritation in the genital area, fever, chills, hypotension (in severe cases)
High-Risk Groups: Immunocompromised individuals, hospitalized patients, individuals with diabetes or prolonged antibiotic use

Candida infections are common but can be managed with antifungal treatments such as fluconazole and echinocandins, especially when detected early.

The diagnosis of Candida albicans infection is based on clinical examination, laboratory tests, and culture of infected sites.

Diagnostic Methods

Microscopic Examination: Identification of yeast cells and pseudohyphae in clinical samples (e.g., oral swabs, vaginal swabs, or blood cultures)
Culture: Growth of Candida colonies on selective agar (e.g., Sabouraud agar)
Antigen Detection: Enzyme immunoassays for detecting Candida antigens in urine or serum
Blood Cultures: For systemic infections such as candidemia

Treatment Approaches

First-line Treatments: Fluconazole for mucosal infections, amphotericin B for systemic infections
Alternative Therapies: Echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin), itraconazole for resistant infections
Supportive Care: Management of underlying conditions, including controlling diabetes and addressing immunosuppression

Prevention Strategies

Maintaining good hygiene and oral care
Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use to prevent dysbiosis
Controlling diabetes and other immunocompromising conditions
Safe handling of catheters and surgical equipment to prevent hospital-acquired infections

Preventing Candida albicans infection involves maintaining good hygiene, managing underlying conditions, and controlling the spread of fungal infections in healthcare settings.

Candida albicans infections, particularly candidemia, are a significant concern in healthcare settings, especially for immunocompromised individuals.

~1,5M

Approximately 1,565,000 people have a Candida bloodstream infection or invasive candidiasis each year globally

Invasive candidiasis continues to be a major health issue, especially in patients with weakened immune systems, requiring effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Classification

Morphology

Habitat & Distribution

Pathogenesis & Clinical Significance

Diagnostic Methods

Treatment Approaches

Prevention & Public Health Considerations

Prevention Strategies

References