Candida parapsilosis and the neonate: epidemiology, virulence and host defense in a unique patient setting

• Published in: Expert review of anti-infective therapy Vol. 10; no. 8; pp. 935 - 946
• Main Authors: Chow, Brian DW, Linden, Jennifer R, Bliss, Joseph M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa Healthcare 01.08.2012; Taylor & Francis; Expert Reviews Ltd
• Subjects: Analysis; Antifungal agents; Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use; antifungal prophylaxis; antifungal resistance; Biofilms; Candida - immunology; Candida - pathogenicity; Candida - physiology; Candida albicans; Candida parapsilosis; Candidiasis; Candidiasis - drug therapy; Candidiasis - epidemiology; Candidiasis - immunology; Candidiasis - microbiology; Care and treatment; Cell Adhesion; Demographic aspects; Development; Diseases; Drug Resistance, Fungal; echinocandins; Epidemiology; fluconazole; Health aspects; host defense; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immunity; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases - epidemiology; Infant, Newborn, Diseases - immunology; Infant, Newborn, Diseases - microbiology; Infants; Infants (Newborn); Infection; lactoferrin; Morbidity; Mortality; Mycoses; Neonates; Prevalence; Prevalence studies (Epidemiology); Prognosis; Prophylaxis; Receptors, Pattern Recognition - immunology; Reviews; Risk Factors; Virulence; Virulence Factors
• ISSN: 1478-7210; 1744-8336; 1744-8336
• DOI: 10.1586/eri.12.74

Invasive candidiasis is a common problem in premature infants that leads to high morbidity and mortality. Although Candida albicans has historically been the most prominent species involved in these infections and has therefore been the subject of the most study, Candida parapsilosis is increasing in frequency, and neonates are disproportionately affected. This article reviews unique aspects of the epidemiology of this organism as well as strategies for prophylaxis against invasive candidiasis in general. Additionally, important differences between C.parapsilosis and C.albicans are coming to light related to virulence determinants and interactions with components of host immunity. These developments are reviewed while highlighting the significant gaps in our understanding that remain to be elucidated.