PATHOGENICITY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND THE MAIN VIRULENCE FACTORS OF CANDIDA ALBICANS, A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus widely distributed in the human microbiota, capable of causing infections ranging from self-limiting superficial conditions to potentially fatal systemic infections. The transition from a commensal to a pathogenic state is associated with a complex interaction between host factors and intrinsic virulence mechanisms of the microorganism. This narrative review aims to integratively discuss the epidemiological aspects, mechanisms of pathogenicity, and the main virulence factors of C. albicans, highlighting its clinical relevance, therapeutic challenges, and perspectives for the control of candidiasis infections.