Candida tropicalis Structure and Physiology
Candida tropicalis is a yeast that is closely related and often forms in biofilms with C. albicans.
Candida tropicalis Transmission and Disease
Humans normally share a commensalism relationship with Candida genus, but C. tropicalis has been identified as the most pathogenic of the group. C. tropicalis can become pathogenic if a person is immunocompromised or if there is a change in their normal microbiota, and can manifest as candidemia (presence of Candida in the blood). An antibiotic resistance to fluconazole has been shown in certain strains of this species.
Candida tropicalis Disinfection
C. tropicalis can survive for long periods of time without nutrients and is known to form biofilms on medical devices; therefore, disinfection to kill these fungi is very important.
Notes
C. tropicalis has recently been utilized to make biodiesel from the olive tree.
Reference
- Kothavade, Rajendra J., et al. “Candida tropicalis: its prevalence, pathogenicity and increasing resistance to fluconazole.” Journal of medical microbiology 59.8 (2010): 873-880.
