Systemic Staphylococcus aureus infection mediated by Candida albicans hyphal invasion of mucosal tissue.

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are often co-isolated in cases of biofilm-associated infections. C. albicans can cause systemic disease through morphological switch from the rounded yeast to the invasive hyphal form.

Staphylococcus aureus adherence to Candida albicans hyphae is mediated by the hyphal adhesin Als3p.

The bacterium Staphylococcus (St.) aureus and the opportunistic fungus Candida albicans are currently among the leading nosocomial pathogens, often co-infecting critically ill patients, with high morbidity and mortality. Previous investigations have demonstrated preferential adherence of St.