Candida Infections: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida . In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in Candida infections because of the resurgence of diseases that weaken the immune system and the widespread use of immunosuppressive chemotherapy. The choice of diagnosis method and identification of the Candida species at the origin of the infection is essential for better management of patients, because the infectious mechanisms and the sensitivity to antifungal agents can vary from one Candida species to another. This review provides an overview of the Candida species involved, clinical aspects, diagnostic methods, and treatments available against candidiasis encountered in human pathology.