| Description | Candida dubliniensis is a Gram-positive, oval-shaped yeast that thrives in temperatures ranging from 25-37°C, falling under the category of mesophiles. As a heterotroph, it derives its energy from organic compounds, specifically glucose, and produces energy through cellular respiration, specifically fermentation and anaerobic glycolysis. This yeast is capable of colonizing various body sites, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts, of all possible species. C. dubliniensis exhibits a unique ability to survive in a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic environments, making it a facultative anaerobe. It has the capacity to grow in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments, although it tends to prefer a slightly acidic pH. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments, including human hosts, makes it an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. As a member of the genus Candida, C. dubliniensis is closely related to other pathogenic Candida species, such as Candida albicans. However, its distinct characteristics and ability to adhere to epithelial cells set it apart from other Candida species. In addition, it has been found to be resistant to various antifungal agents, further emphasizing its importance as a potential human pathogen. Notably, C. dubliniensis has been linked to cases of candidemia, a life-threatening bloodstream infection that can be acquired through various means, including hospital-acquired infections, medical devices, and contaminated healthcare products. Its ability to form biofilms, making it resistant to antimicrobial agents, contributes to its persistence in the human host and its ability to evade treatment. |
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