Comparative Analysis of Capsular and Secreted Polysaccharides Produced by and .

Fungal infections are a global public health challenge, especially among immunocompromised patients. yeasts, such as , have emerged as opportunistic pathogens, but have received less attention than . This study aimed to characterize the polysaccharides of and compare them with those of , analyzing their clinical implications. Comprehensive physicochemical, mechanical, and ultrastructural analyses of polysaccharides from both species were performed, revealing correlations with virulence and pathogenicity. cells are surrounded by a capsule smaller than that produced by , but with similar polysaccharides. Those polysaccharides are also secreted by . Cross-reactivity with was observed in a diagnostic antigen test, using both and samples, highlighting the need for more reliable tests. Some strains exhibited virulence comparable to that of in an invertebrate experimental model (). This study contributes to a deeper understanding of yeast pathogenicity and virulence, highlighting the need for more accurate diagnostic tests to improve the differential diagnosis of infections caused by basidiomycetous yeasts.