Abstract

Candida species are the most common cause of opportunistic fungal infection worldwide.Candida is the major fungal pathogen of humans, causing diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to disseminated, systemic infections that are often life threatening. A striking feature of its pathogenicity is ability to grow in yeast, pseudohyphal and hyphal forms. The hyphal form has an important role in causing disease by invading epithelial cells and causing tissue damage. Among Candida spp., Candida albicans is the most common infectious agent. This dimorphic yeast is a commensal that colonizes skin, the gastrointestinal and the reproductive tracts. Non-C. albicans species are also emerging pathogens and can also colonize human mucocutaneous surfaces. The pathogenesis and prognosis of candidial infections are affected by the host immune status and also differ greatly according to disease presentations.

Key words: Candidiasis, types, diagnosis, identification and management.