Candida Infections: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. In recentyears, there has been a great deal of interest in Candida infections because of the resurgenceof diseases that weaken the immune system and the widespread use of immunosuppressivechemotherapy. The choice of diagnosis method and identification of the Candida speciesat the origin of the infection is essential for better management of patients, because theinfectious mechanisms and the sensitivity to antifungal agents can vary from one Candidaspecies to another. This review provides an overview of the Candida species involved, clinicalaspects, diagnostic methods, and treatments available against candidiasis encountered inhuman pathology.