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Vol. 12 No. 12 (2025)
International Multidisciplinary Journal for Research & Development

Articles

CANDIDIASIS: ETIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Published 2025-12-20

  • Darmonov Bobirbek Tohirjonovich

Darmonov Bobirbek Tohirjonovich
Andijan State Medical Institute Department of Dermatovenerology Assistant Dermatovenerologist

Abstract

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused primarily by species of the genus Candida, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent. It affects both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, manifesting as superficial mucocutaneous infections or severe systemic disease. This narrative literature review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of candidiasis. A comprehensive search of international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was conducted for articles published between 2010 and 2024. The findings indicate that fungal virulence factors—such as adhesion, biofilm formation, and hyphal transition—interact with host immune responses, particularly cell-mediated immunity, to determine disease severity. Superficial infections commonly affect the oral and genital mucosa, whereas systemic infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Non-albicans Candida species are increasingly implicated in resistant and recurrent infections. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for accurate diagnosis, targeted therapy, and effective management strategies.

Keywords

Candidiasis; Candida albicans; Virulence factors; Pathogenesis; Clinical manifestations; Superficial infection; Systemic infection

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