title: Candida parapsilosis and the neonate: epidemiology, virulence and host defense in a unique patient setting.
abstract: Invasive candidiasis is a common problem in premature infants that leads to high morbidity and mortality. Although Candida albicans has historically been the most prominent species involved in these infections and has therefore been the subject of the most study, Candida parapsilosis is increasing in frequency, and neonates are disproportionately affected. This article reviews unique aspects of the epidemiology of this organism as well as strategies for prophylaxis against invasive candidiasis in general. Additionally, important differences between C. parapsilosis and C. albicans are coming to light related to virulence determinants and interactions with components of host immunity. These developments are reviewed while highlighting the significant gaps in our understanding that remain to be elucidated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
authors.forename: Brian D W
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Jennifer R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Linden
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bliss
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018441:Biofilms; D002175:Candida / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D015995:Prevalence; D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D037521:Virulence Factors
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition; D037521:Virulence Factors