Candida albicans-The Virulence Factors and Clinical Manifestations of Infection

The commensal fungus Candida albicans  is a part of the typical flora of the microbiota that is frequently found on the skin and mucosal surface of healthy individuals along with the vaginal and gastrointestinal tracts. Candida can manifest in many ways and symptoms may range from mild mucocutaneous infections to severe life threatening invasive infections of multiple organs. Candida albicans is an opportunistic microorganism that could transition from typical flora (commensal state) to pathogenic state depends on a range of factors that might interfere with the balance of Candida. The gastrointestinal tract is the main site of Candida albicans infections, while the infection is caused by immune system abnormalities, mucosal damage of intestine and dysbiosis of microflora. The Candidemia and invasive infections of Candida albicans are connected to elevated blood counts of Candida albicans. This paper reviews the pathogenic features of Candida albicans and the symptoms of candidiasis.