Candidiasis and Other Emerging Yeasts

Abstract

Purpose of Review The review presents a comprehensive and updated information on the contemporary status of invasive candidiasis (IC), other emerging yeast infections, and the challenges they present in terms of at-risk population, specific virulence attributes, and antifungal susceptibility profile. Recent Findings With the advancement in medical field, there has been parallel expansion of vulnerable populations over the past two decades. This had led to the emergence of a variety of rare yeasts in healthcare settings, both Candida and non-Candida yeast causing sporadic cases and outbreaks. The advancements in diagnostic modalities have enabled accurate identification of rare Candida species and non-Candida yeast (NCY) of clinical importance. Their distribution and susceptibility profile vary across different geographical regions, thus necessitating surveillance of local epidemiology of these infections to improve patient outcomes. Summary The challenges in management of IC have been complicated with emergence of newer species and resistance traits. C. tropicalis has already overtaken C. albicans in many Asian ICUs, while C. auris is rising rapidly worldwide. Recent genomic research has reclassified several yeasts into newer genera, and an updated version of MALDI-TOF MS or ITS sequencing is necessary for accurate identification. Having a knowledge of the differences in predisposing factors, epidemiology and susceptibility profile of already established pathogenic yeasts, as well as new emerging yeasts, are imperative for better patient management.

Antifungal drug resistance in Candida: a special emphasis on amphotericin B

“…About 70% of cases of candidiasis are caused by C. albicans , while the remainder of infections are caused by non‐albicans Candida species [56]. Some newly discovered non‐albicans Candida (NAC) species are multidrug‐resistant and cause opportunistic infections in humans [57]. One of the most important pathogenicity characteristics of Candida ‐associated infections is biofilm [58].…”

Died or Not Dyed: Assessment of Viability and Vitality Dyes on Planktonic Cells and Biofilms from Candida parapsilosis

“…As it can be seen in Table 1, S9 reports a reduction of 15% in the viability percentage of C. parapsilosis 11103595 biofilms treated with 2.5 µg/mL of AmB, while TO indicates a change 2.5-fold lower (6%). 1 31.1 ± 0.9 19.5 ± 0.6 −37.1 ± 1.1 1 Red/green ratio. Data corresponds to mean ± standard deviation from 3 replicates; AmB = amphotericin B; % = percentage; S9 = Syto9; TO = thiazole orange; PI = propidium iodide; FDA = fluorescein diacetate; CW = calcofluor white.…”

“…Fungal diseases caused by yeasts present a significant threat in the field of medicine [ 1 ]. The genera Trichosporon , Rhodotorula , and Malassezia are among the several yeasts responsible for superficial and invasive human infections [ 1 ]. Candida spp.…”

“…Candida spp. are responsible for the greatest number of fungal infections caused by fungal pathogens [ 1 , 2 ]. Candida parapsilosis, in particular, has been identified as the causative agent in approximately 25% of invasive Candida infections in several European countries [ 3 ].…”

Supramolecular Self-Associating Amphiphiles Inhibit Biofilm Formation by the Critical Pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans

“…C. albicans-related candidemia has been identified as a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and bloodstream infections. − Recently, the WHO declared C. albicans as one of the top four fungal pathogens in its critical priority group, demonstrating a significant unmet need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat infections caused by this microorganism .…”