Adhesion of Candida Albicans to Host Surfaces

Abstract

Colonization of host surfaces by the pathogenic Candida species depends on the ability of the fungi to adhere. Adhesion enables the organisms to resist the flushing action of the fluids that continuously bathe such surfaces. In the case of mucosal surfaces, epithelial cells with adherent microorganisms are repeatedly lost by desquamation and so the progeny of these organisms much attach to newly exposed cells if colonization is to continue. This host defence mechanism provides a selective pressure which may result in the elimination of less adhesive organisms. Adhesion is, therefore, the first step in the process leading to persistent colonization and infection, and the ability to adhere constitutes an important virulence factor.