Candida Infections and Antifungal Activity of Natural Products on Its Virulence Factors: A Review

Abstract

Candida infections, particularly candidemia, represent a significant and escalating global health challenge, marked by high incidence and mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations. The clinical landscape is further complicated by a notable shift towards non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, many of which exhibit intrinsic or rapidly acquired resistance to conventional antifungal agents. These resistance mechanisms are diverse, ranging from efflux pump overexpression and target enzyme alterations to the formidable protective capabilities of biofilm formation. Concurrently, Candida species employ a sophisticated array of virulence factors, including morphological plasticity, adhesion, secreted hydrolytic enzymes, and intricate immune evasion strategies, all of which contribute to their pathogenicity and ability to persist in the host.