Medicina Fluminensis, Vol. 62 No. 3, 2026.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2026_349225
Candida Parapsilosis: A Challenge in the Treatment of Hospital-Related Fungal Infections
Ivana Samošćanec
; Klinička bolnica Sveti Duh, Zavod za kliničku mikrobiologiju i hospitalne infekcije, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marko Siroglavić
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Klinički zavod za kliničku mikrobiologiju, prevenciju i kontrolu infekcija, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Sanja Pleško
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Klinički zavod za kliničku mikrobiologiju, prevenciju i kontrolu infekcija, Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Fungal infections, especially candidiasis, comprise one of the most significant causes of hospital-acquired sepsis. Historically, the predominant causative agent of systemic candidiasis is Candida albicans, while other types of candida alternate in frequency level, with Candida parapsilosis becoming more common in second place. As a commensal of human skin, C. parapsilosis has a high likelihood of horizontal transmission among the hospital population. With its ability to form biofilm and its property of adhesion to artificial materials, and its growing resistance to azole antifungal drugs, it is a cause of great concern when it comes to treating fungal infections. The therapeutic problem becomes even greater when one takes into account the congenital reduced sensitivity to echinocandins, antifungal agents recommended as empirical therapy for systemic candidiasis. Due to the increasing incidence worldwide, virulence and the emergence of acquired resistance to antifungals, it is important to raise awareness of this significant nosocomial pathogen, with an emphasis on a cautious approach to the treatment of infections it causes.
Keywords
antifungal agents; Candida; healthcare associated infections; invasive fungal infections
Hrčak ID:
349225
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2026.
Visits: 0 *