Adherence mechanisms of Candida albicans

The yeast Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that is capa ble of inducing a range of superficial and systemic diseases in the immunoc ompromised host. Although it displays a variety of virulence factors, one t he ability to adhere to host tissue - is considered essential in the early stages of colonisation and tissue invasion. Adherence is achieved by a comb ination of specific (ligand-receptor interactions) and non-specific (electr ostatic charge, van der Waals forces) mechanisms which allow the yeast to a ttach to a wide range of tissue types and inanimate surfaces. Conventional methods for treating disease cause by C. albicans rely upon the use of anti fungal drugs designed to kill the yeast or arrest its growth. An alternativ e approach, aimed at disrupting the adherence of the yeast to host tissue i n cases of superficial infection, may have potential for controlling diseas e, particularly in situations where the unattached fungal cell can be remov ed from the affected site, either by the flushing action of the oropharynx or by the production of mucus in the vagina.