Adherence and biofilm formation of non-Candida albicans Candida species

Trends Microbiol. 2011 May;19(5):241-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2011.02.003. Epub 2011 Mar 15.

Abstract

Most cases of candidosis have been attributed to Candida albicans, but recently non-C. albicans Candida species have been identified as frequent human pathogens. Candida pathogenicity has been attributed to several factors, including adhesion to medical devices and/or host cells, biofilm formation, and secretion of hydrolytic enzymes (proteases, phospholipases and haemolysins). Although 'new'Candida species are emerging, there is still a lack of information about their pathogenicity. This review discusses recent advances in our knowledge of Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis virulence factors, specifically those of adhesion and biofilm formation, which are key components in Candida pathogenicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Candida / growth & development
  • Candida / pathogenicity
  • Candida / physiology*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Humans