Fungus-host relationship in candidiasis. A brief review.

Candidiasis and its causative agent, Candida albicans, have been under continuous study in our clinics and laboratories for the past 20 years. Cultured cells of C albicans and tissues from natural and experimental infections were used for observations by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and freeze fracture techniques. In cultures, the cells of C albicans revealed a more complex cell wall, plasma membrane, intracellular organelles, and biochemical organization than those described in classic text-books on mycology. In infected tissues, noteworthy characteristics of C albicans were prominent vacuoles and invasion of host cells with subsequent intracellular localization and lysis of tissues surrounding the fungus. These findings are discussed in relation to their importance in the pathogenesis and management of candidiasis and to the mechanism of action of anticandida agents.