Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic yeast infection. Candida species and
other microorganisms are involved in this complicated fungal infection, but Candida
albicans continues to be the most prevalent. In the past two decades, it has been
observed an abnormal overgrowth in the gastrointestinal, urinary and respiratory tracts,
not only in immunocompromised patients, but also related to nosocomial infections and
even in healthy individuals. There is a widely variety of causal factors that contribute to
yeast infection which means that candidiasis is a good example of a multifactorial
syndrome. Due to rapid increase in the incidence of these infections, this is the subject
of numerous studies. Recently, the focus of attention is the treatment and, above all, the
prevention of those complications. The diagnosis of candidiasis could become quite
complicated. Prevention is the most effective “treatment”, much more than eradication
of the yeast with antifungal agents. There are several aspects to consider in the daily
routine that can provide a strength protection. However, a therapeutic approach is
necessary when the infection is established and, therefore, other alternatives should be
explored. This review provides an overview on predisposition factors, prevention and
diagnosis of candidiasis, highlighting alternative approaches for candidiasis treatment.
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for
N. Martins grant (SFRH/BD/87658/2012), L. Barros researcher contract under
“Programa Compromisso com Ciência – 2008” and financial support to the research
center CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011).
