Oral mucosa as a potential source of candidemia by Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, under pathological conditions

Over the past 10 years, there have been increasingly frequent reports of colonization of niches in the oral cavity by Non-Candida Albicans Candida (NCAC) species. Among these species, Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto plays a major part both locally and systemically. Evidence shows that it may be the second most frequent yeast isolate, after Candida albicans, as commensal in the oral cavity and as pathogen in blood cultures of patients diagnosed with fungemia. Recent reports suggest that both its distribution and its virulence may be affected by environmental conditions and may increase in situations of oral dysbiosis. Based on this background, we hypothesize that oral mucosa in pathological condition may be a source of candidemia by Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, when promoted by the conditions in the host. We reviewed the scientific databases in search of evidence which may support such hypothesis. Key words: Bacteremia; Biofilm; Candida parapsilosis complex; Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto; Gingival-periodontal disease; Invasive candidiasis; Pathobiont; Oral Candida; Symbiont