An ultrastructural evaluation of the reaction of the host cell membrane to the invasive phase of Candida albicans.

Ultrastructural studies of the invasive form of Candida albicans in patients with acute or chronic candidosis have demonstrated either (a) a close seal between the host cell membrane and the fungal cell wall or (b) a ruptured or damaged host cell membrane at the point of invasion. This was observed in samples from either oral or vaginal candidosis as the pathogen successfully enters the adjoining host cell. The variations appear to be related to the degree of resistance of the host cell membrane to the invading pathogen. This view is discussed.