Resumo

PANIZO, M. M  e  REVIAKINA, V. Candida albicans and its pathogenic effect on membranes. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2001, vol.21, n.2, pp.38-45. ISSN 1315-2556.

Fungal infections produced by Candida species, specially by Candida albicans, are important complications among immunocompromised patients. Morbility and mortality rates of these infections have increased considerably during the past two decades. Frequently, mucosal candidiasis (oral, gastrointestinal, and vaginal) is the first sign of impaired immune function. The severity of fungal infections increases as the immune system becomes more dysfunctional, thus, mucosal candidiasis episodes are very frequent and difficult to treat.     The development of new therapeutic procedures, associated with the impaired of immune response and Candida virulence factors as adherence property, the ability to compete successfully with other microorganisms for nutrients, and the capacity to evade the host's immune defenses, interact between them and increase infection rates in the immunocompromised patient. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the most relevant aspects of the interactions between Candida and the host immune response. The understanding of these complex interactions will improve the knowledge of Candida pathogenic mechanisms and will contribute to the development of new strategies for the prevention and management of these infections.

Palavras-chave : Candidosis; mucosas; Candida albicans; patogénesis.