Medical Microbiology
It is very important to identify Candida to the species level to optimize the selection of the antifungal agent and represent a major challenge for empirical, therapeutic and prophylactic strategies.
Abstract
Candida species are the fourth most common cause of bloodstream infections and are the leading cause of invasive fungal infections among hospitalized patients [1]. Candidemia is a life-threatening fungal infection associated with a mortality rate of 38%; [2].The spectrum of candidemia has changed with the emergence of non- albicans Candida (NCAC) species, a strain with the threat of increased mortality especially in immunocompromised and severely ill patients [4]. It is very important to identify Candida to the species level to optimize the selection of the antifungal agent. More importantly, intrinsic and emerging resistance represents a major challenge for empirical, therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Candida species have also been isolated from the respiratory tract, mouth, skin, ear and eye. Candida is a true opportunistic pathogen that under certain circumstances is able to invade tissues normally resistant to infection.