Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal of the oral, gastrointestinal and genital tracts of
80% of the population. However, during periods of immune suppression C. albicans
is able to proliferate and damage the host. Infections range from chronic mucosal
infections to life threatening systemic disease. C. albicans is estimated to cause 75
million cases of genital thrush each year, with 5-15% of women developing recurrent infection [1], and 400,000 deaths each year due to disseminated disease [2]. During commensalism the fungus is exposed to a plethora of biotic and abiotic
environmental signals to which is must respond and adapt to, with many of these
environmental cues activating the expression of virulence factors.
80% of the population. However, during periods of immune suppression C. albicans
is able to proliferate and damage the host. Infections range from chronic mucosal
infections to life threatening systemic disease. C. albicans is estimated to cause 75
million cases of genital thrush each year, with 5-15% of women developing recurrent infection [1], and 400,000 deaths each year due to disseminated disease [2]. During commensalism the fungus is exposed to a plethora of biotic and abiotic
environmental signals to which is must respond and adapt to, with many of these
environmental cues activating the expression of virulence factors.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Future Microbiology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 11 |
Early online date | 2 Aug 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2017 |
Keywords
- Candida
- cell wall
- environmental sensing
- host adaptation
- morphogenesis
- pH