Candida spp., virulence, resistance, susceptibility to antifungals and their infections: A literature review of the last twenty years

Abstract

Yeasts of the genus Candida are part of the microbiota of the skin and mucous membranes. However, when there is a change in the normal microbiota or in the host's immune system they can become pathogenic. It causes infections called candidiasis, which can range from superficial lesions and, in more rare cases, can cause widespread infections, such as candidemia. The frequency of invasive mycoses caused by Candida spp. has been increasing significantly, becoming an important nosocomial fungal pathogeny. In this view, this study aims to review the literature of the last 20 years about vulvovaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis and candidemia, as well as aspects related to its virulence, susceptibility and antifungal resistance. Therefore, research was carried out in the databases: Pubmed, Scielo and Web of Science. For the research, the following keywords were used: “candidiasis” and “resistance” and “susceptibility” and “prevalence” and “virulence” “antifungal” and “age”. The present review updates health professionals in relation to vulvovaginal, oropharyngeal candidiasis and candidemia, focusing on the virulence of pathogens and susceptibility to antifungals. Updating and knowledge related to these infections are extremely important to help health professionals regarding the therapeutic conduct in the face of infections caused by Candida spp.