Pathophysiology of Invasive Candidiasis

Abstract

Pathophysiology of invasive candidiasis relies on the transition of Candida yeasts from a saprophytic commensal state to a virulent pathogenic state. This is in link with the expression of a virulence schedule, in response to environmental changes, and is emphasized by an inappropriate immune response from the host, which can even facilitate this transition towards a pathogenic profile. The understanding of the mechanisms leading to the disequilibrium of the relation host/pathogen needs the analysis of the two actors of this relation, which could allow to understand the genetic backgrounds predisposing to invasive candidiasis.