Virulence in Candida species

Candida species other than Candida albicans now account for up to 50% of deep candidiasis cases, yet little attention has been paid to the virulence attributes of these fungi. Adherence to host tissues, response to environmental changes and the secretion of hydrolases are all thought to be important in Candida virulence. The identification of virulence attributes unique to a particular Candida species could provide powerful insights into the pathogenic process but will require the use of genome-wide approaches such as transcript profiling, signature-tagged mutagenesis and in vivo expression technology. Many of the virulence determinants identified in Candida albicans have homologues in other Candida species. Elucidation of the roles of these homologues in disease initiation and progression could reveal novel antifungal drug targets.