Candida haemulonii Complex and Candida auris: Biology, Virulence Factors, Immune Response, and Multidrug Resistance

Abstract

There is worldwide concern about the constant increase in infections caused by Candida species that are multiresistant to antifungal drugs. The most common candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans, however, the species of the Candida haemulonii complex and Candida auris are emerging opportunistic pathogens, which isolation from clinical samples has significantly increased in the past years. The special interest in the study of these species lies in their ability to evade the action of antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B, azoles, and echinocandins. In addition, the phenotypic changes of these species have given them the ability to easily adapt to environmental changes, including the host milieu and immunity. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on the C. haemulonii complex and C. auris is shown, analyzing aspects such as biology, immune response, putative virulence factors, infection, treatment, and the current strategies for diagnosis.

Keywords:

• antifungal resistance
• candidiasis
• cryptic Candida species
• emerging pathogens
• virulence factors
• Candida haemulonii complex
• Candida auris

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (ref. FC 2015-02-834 and CF-2019-6380), and Red Temática Glicociencia en Salud (CONACYT-México).

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.