Virulence-Related Genes Expression in Planktonic Mixed Cultures of Candida albicans and Non-Albicans Candida Species.

Introduction: Candida albicans is the most common opportunistic pathogen causing fungal infections worldwide, especially in high-risk patients. Its pathogenicity is related to virulence factors gene expression, such as hyphal growth (HWP1), cell adhesion (ALS3), and protease secretion (SAP1) during infection spreading mechanisms. In recent years, an increase in non-albicans Candida infections has been reported, which may present coinfection or competitive interactions with C.

Prevalence and Species Distribution of Clinical Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ecuador Tested from January 2019 to February 2020.

The incidence of candidemia in healthcare centers is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Frequency varies significantly among regions, with some species being more prevalent than others in Latin America. In this study, 191 clinical isolates were collected from a major hospital in Ecuador from January 2019 to February 2020 aiming to assess their prevalence and distribution.