COVID-19-Associated Candidiasis: Possible Patho-Mechanism, Predisposing Factors, and Prevention Strategies

Overview

Journal Curr Microbiol

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2022 Mar 14

PMID 35287179

Authors

Nafisa Ahmed

Maiesha Samiha Mahmood

Md Asad Ullah

Yusha Araf

Tanjim Ishraq Rahaman

Abu Tayab Moin

Mohammad Jakir Hosen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is threatening public health. A large number of affected people need to be hospitalized. Immunocompromised patients and ICU-admitted patients are predisposed to further bacterial and fungal infections, making patient outcomes more critical. Among them, COVID-19-associated candidiasis is becoming more widely recognized as a part of severe COVID-19 sequelae. While the molecular pathophysiology is not fully understood, some factors, including a compromised immune system, iron and zinc deficiencies, and nosocomial and iatrogenic transmissions, predispose COVID-19 patients to candidiasis. In this review, we discuss the existing knowledge of the virulence characteristics of Candida spp. and summarize the key concepts in the possible molecular pathogenesis. We analyze the predisposing factors that make COVID-19 patients more susceptible to candidiasis and the preventive measures which will provide valuable insights to guide the effective prevention of candidiasis in COVID-19 patients.

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