Key Points
Î Invasive infection due to Candida species is largely a condition
associated with medical progress and is widely recognized as a major
cause of morbidity and mortality in the healthcare environment.
Î There are at least 15 distinct Candida species that cause human
disease, but over 90% of invasive disease is caused by the 5 most
common pathogens, C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C.
parapsilosis, and C. krusei.
Î Each of these organisms has unique virulence potential, antifungal
susceptibility, and epidemiology.
Î Taken as a whole, significant infections due to these organisms are
generally referred to as "invasive candidiasis," except for mucosal
Candida infections, especially those involving the oropharynx,
esophagus and vagina, which are not considered to be classically
invasive disease.
