Recently, Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis) has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen, with clinical manifestations such as fungemia, endophthalmitis, endocarditis, septic arthritis, and peritonitis. C. parapsilosis is now one of the leading causes of invasive candidiasis disease. With advanced techniques and world-class facilities, Creative Biolabs is an expert in exploring the pathogenesis of C. parapsilosis infections, and we are committed to assisting you in your antifungal drug development against C. parapsilosis.
Introduction to Candida Parapsilosis
C. parapsilosis is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen in human, which is able to cause superficial and invasive diseases and is especially widespread in neonates and adult patients with catheter-related fungemia. C. parapsilosis has become a leading cause of sepsis and of the wound as well as tissue infections in immunocompromised individuals. Unlike Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis is not an obligate human pathogen, as it has been isolated from non-human sources such as soil, insects, and domestic animals. C. parapsilosis is also a normal human commensal that is one of the most frequently isolated fungi from human hands. Immunocompromised people and surgical patients, especially those undergoing surgery of the gastrointestinal tract, are at high risk of infection with C. parapsilosis.
Pathogenesis of C. Parapsilosis
Since C. parapilosis infection is mostly due to the use of in-dwelling devices, two potential virulence factors have been supposed to be important for its pathogenicity, which is defined as adhesion capacity and biofilm. Adhesion capacity is required for initial colonization of fungus to adhere to the substrate, particularly mucosal surfaces, whether natural (endothelium) or artificial (catheter material). Adherence is likely the first step in the pathogenesis of C. parapilosis. C. parapsilosis is closely related to thin, unstructured biofilms which are composed of aggregated blastospores whose membranes compromise more carbohydrate than protein. The existence of the fungus in a biofilm contributes to its ability of resistance to antifungal treatment.
Antifungal Drugs Against C. Parapsilosis
Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment of invasive C. parapsilosis infections, although the therapeutic method normally includes the extraction of any removable foreign matters and the systemic administration of antifungal agents. Typically, amphotericin B has been the most frequently used antifungal drugs. Treatment with amphotericin B may be complicated due to the nephrotoxicity, requiring a reduction in the drug dosage or termination of therapy.
Antifungal Drug Discovery Services Against C. Parapsilosis at Creative Biolabs
Based on advanced technology platform and experienced scientific team, Creative Biolabs provides its clients with a broad portfolio of antifungal drug discovery services, including target identification and validation, Hit identification, Hit to lead, Lead optimization, as well as safety and efficacy testing and analysis. Our scientists are committed to facilitating your drug discovery research against C. parapilosis and expanding the influence of your projects.
You may also be interested in other fungi that may be implicated in candidiasis:
If you are interested in our antifungal drug discovery services, please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.
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