Non albicans Candida species: A review of epidemiology, pathogenicity and antifungal resistance

Among various pathogenic fungi, Candida species is the only pathogen capable of causing wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mucocutaneous overgrowth to disseminated infections. Although Candida albicans is considered as the most pervasive pathogenic species, recent studies from various parts of the world have documented the emergence of non albicans Candida (NAC) spp. The Candida isolates belonging to NAC spp. differ in the terms of epidemiology, pathophysiology and of most important the pattern of susceptibility to a particular antifungal drug. Therefore species identification along with in-vitro susceptibility has became important for ‘species directed therapy’ and selection of appropriate antifungal therapeutic agent.