Candida krusei (C. krusei)

Candida krusei, now formally known as Pichia kudriavzevii, is a diploid budding yeast that acts as a significant opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans. It is primarily encountered in immunocompromised populations, such as patients with hematologic malignancies or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, where it causes invasive candidiasis and candidemia. The organism is distinguished by several virulence factors, including the ability to adhere to host tissues and form robust biofilms that protect it from the immune system and antifungal agents. A hallmark clinical characteristic of Candida krusei is its intrinsic resistance to fluconazole, which complicates standard treatment protocols and often requires the use of alternative agents. Current therapeutic strategies rely on drugs like voriconazole or echinocandins, which target specific fungal enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis or sterol metabolism. Due to its unique resistance profile and high associated mortality rates, it remains a critical focus in nosocomial infection control and antifungal drug development.

Other names

Pichia kudriavzeviiIssatchenkia orientalisSaccharomyces kruseiCandida glycerinogenes

Inhibition of lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (azoles); Inhibition of beta-1,3-glucan synthase (echinocandins); Disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity (polyenes)