Explaining Candida albicans (C. albicans)

By SWA

 Summary related to the article:

“Brain fungal infection produces Alzheimer's disease-like changes, says new” study”https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-10-brain-fungal-infection-alzheimer-disease-like.html

 “Toll-like receptor 4 and CD11b expressed on microglia coordinate eradication of Candida albicans cerebral mycosis”
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(23)01252-4#%20

 

Candida albicans (often simply referred to as C. albicans) is a species of yeast that is commonly found as a member of the human microbiome. Here's a general overview:

Cerebral mycosis: Mycoses are classified as superficial, cutaneous, subcutaneous, or systemic (deep) infections depending on the type and degree of tissue involvement and the host response to the pathogen.

    Habitat: C. albicans typically resides on the mucosal surfaces of humans, including the mouth, throat, gut, and genitals. In most healthy individuals, it exists as a harmless commensal organism (i.e., it lives on the host without causing harm).

    Morphology: One of the interesting characteristics of C. albicans is its ability to exist in different morphological forms. It can exist as unicellular yeast cells or filamentous forms (hyphae and pseudohyphae). This morphological switch is believed to play a role in its virulence and ability to cause infections.

    Pathogenicity: While C. albicans is a normal resident of our bodies, under certain conditions, it can become pathogenic, leading to candidiasis. Conditions that can predispose individuals to candidiasis include:

        Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients on immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy)
        Prolonged use of antibiotics
        Diabetes mellitus
        Pregnancy
        Use of corticosteroids
        Other factors disrupting the normal balance of the microbiota.

    Types of Infections: C. albicans can cause a range of infections, from superficial to systemic:

        Superficial Infections: This includes oral thrush (white patches in the mouth) and vaginal yeast infections, which are characterized by itching, burning, and a thick white discharge.

        Invasive Candidiasis: If the fungus enters the bloodstream, it can spread throughout the body and cause systemic infections. This is a more serious condition and can be life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

    Treatment: The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection:

        Superficial Infections: Often treated with topical antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin. For oral candidiasis, a common treatment is nystatin oral suspension or clotrimazole lozenges.

        Invasive Candidiasis: Requires systemic antifungal medications, commonly fluconazole or an echinocandin, like caspofungin.

    Resistance: There's growing concern about the development of antifungal resistance in C. albicans. This highlights the importance of using antifungals judiciously and monitoring treatment regimens closely.

    Biofilm Formation: C. albicans has the ability to form biofilms on various surfaces, including medical devices like catheters. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that are adhered to a surface and embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilm-associated cells are more resistant to antifungal drugs, making infections associated with biofilms harder to treat.

Candida albicans is a versatile fungus that is both a normal inhabitant of the human body and a potential pathogen. Understanding its biology and pathogenicity is crucial for managing and treating infections effectively.

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