Insights into Candida Albicans: A New Perspective on Pathogenic Factors and Regulatory Mechanisms

Abstract

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a polymorphic fungus that exists as a natural flora in the skin and mucosal surfaces of the body. However, under certain conditions, such as immunodeficiency, mucosal damage, antibiotic use, and cancer, this fungus can cause superficial and systemic infections. C. albicans is the most common opportunistic pathogenic fungus in humans and causes 60% of mucosal infections and 40% of candidemia cases. Several pathogenic factors have been identified that contribute to the pathogenic potential of this fungus. Among these factors, we can mention: hypha production, attachment, and biofilm formation, secretion of hydrolase enzymes, acquisition of micronutrients, adaptation to oxygen and nitrogen deficiency conditions, and growth at temperatures above 37 °C. This review article will investigate the pathogenic factors of C. albicans and their regulatory factors. For this purpose, articles published in national and international scientific databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Elsevier databases, IranMedex, Scopus, SID, and Science Direct, were used. Keywords such as: “Candida,” “Fungi,” “Pathogenesis,” and “Virulence” were used to find the articles.