IMPORTANCE OF CANDIDA SPECIES OTHER THAN CANDIDA-ALBICANS AS OPPORTUNISTIC PATHOGENS

Candida species other than C. albicans have become a significant cause of infection in humans. Several of the more commonly isolated of thes e species are less susceptible to commonly used azole antifungal drugs , a factor that poses significant difficulties for effective treatment . The modern mycology laboratory has an important role to play in seve ral aspects relating to these organisms, including therapy, detection, identification and epidemiological analysis. The application of molec ular techniques and phylogenetic analysis has led to the identificatio n of a new species of Candida associated with mucosal candidiasis in H IV-infected individuals named Candida dubliniensis, the clinical signi ficance of which is currently under investigation. Molecular technique s are also being applied to the analysis of determinants involved in p athogenicity of species such as Candida glabratta. These approaches sh ould lead to a better understanding of these organisms and there abili ty to cause disease and should also provide more effective treatment.