title: Candida krusei: biotechnological potentials and concerns about its safety.
abstract: Yeasts have a tradition in biotechnological applications, and  Saccharomyces  species are the most dominating representatives. Among the yeast species,  Candida krusei  has been isolated from different habitats, and in recent years, it has gained increased interest because of its diverse biotechnological role. It is found in many fermented food items and dairy products and has also been exploited for production of biochemicals and enzymes. However, because of its opportunistic pathogenic nature, it draws scientific attention regarding the safety of its industrial exploitation. Candida krusei generally causes infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those suffering from Human immunodeficiency virus - acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and also in cancer patients. The recent increase in the use of immunosuppressive drugs has increased the chances of C. krusei infections. Candida krusei possesses an intrinsic resistance to many triazole antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole, which is a main drug used in antifungal therapy; therefore, there is serious concern regarding its safe industrial use.
authors: Institut national de la recherche scientifique - Eau Terre Environnement, Université du Québec, 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
authors: Jay Shankar Singh
authors: JS
authors: Yadav
authors: Jyothi
authors: J
authors: Bezawada
authors: Song
authors: S
authors: Yan
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Tyagi
authors: R Y
authors: RY
authors: Surampalli
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D005516:Food Microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007218:Industrial Microbiology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents