Candida Glabrata-Pathogenesis and Therapy - Abstract
Candida species has been on the rise in recent years. Species Candida glabrata is the second most common candidate for candidiasis and is associated with a high rate mortality in immunocompromised patients. Candida glabrata is an increasing cause of candidemia, especially at cancer and bone marrow transplant centers where fluconazole is used for antifungal prophylaxis. This yeast is less susceptible to fluconazole in vitro than is Candida albicans. Pathogenicity infections are most commonly seen in the elderly, immunocompromised, and AIDS patients. It is most importantly known as an agent of urinary tract infections. In fact, 20% of all urinary
yeast infections are due to C. glabrata, although they may be asymptomatic and left untreated. Patients with invasive infections such as those of blood, bones, heart, urinary tract and the brain are treated with intravenous amphotericin B or flucanozole for 48 to 72 hours until the infection is under control. This is followed by oral administration of the drugs for 2 to 6 weeks for the complete eradication of C. glabrata from the
patient’s body. Recent advances in the C. glabrata molecular tool box should aid research into its virulence mechanisms, host–pathogen relationship and reveal novel putative drug targets.