C. parapsilosis

Definition

C. parapsilosis is a species of yeast that can cause various types of mycoses, including skin infections. It is an opportunistic pathogen that is commonly found on human skin and in the gastrointestinal tract, and can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. C. parapsilosis is a common cause of skin and nail infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
2. It can cause onychomycosis (nail fungal infection) and paronychia (inflammation of the skin around the nails).
3. C. parapsilosis is also a leading cause of invasive candidiasis, a serious bloodstream infection, in hospitalized patients.
4. Infection with C. parapsilosis is often associated with the use of indwelling medical devices, such as catheters and prosthetic implants.
5. Proper hand hygiene and the use of antifungal medications are important in the prevention and treatment of C. parapsilosis infections.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of C. parapsilosis in causing skin mycoses.
  • C. parapsilosis is a common cause of various skin mycoses, including onychomycosis (nail fungal infection) and paronychia (inflammation of the skin around the nails). It is an opportunistic pathogen that can thrive on the skin, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or other underlying health conditions. Proper hand hygiene and the use of antifungal medications are crucial in the prevention and treatment of C. parapsilosis-related skin infections.
• Explain the relationship between C. parapsilosis and invasive candidiasis.
  • In addition to causing skin infections, C. parapsilosis is also a leading cause of invasive candidiasis, a serious bloodstream infection, in hospitalized patients. This opportunistic pathogen can gain access to the bloodstream, often through the use of indwelling medical devices such as catheters and prosthetic implants. Invasive candidiasis caused by C. parapsilosis can be a life-threatening condition, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with antifungal medications.
• Analyze the factors that contribute to the prevalence of C. parapsilosis infections.
  • The prevalence of C. parapsilosis infections is influenced by several factors, including the organism's ability to thrive as an opportunistic pathogen and its association with the use of indwelling medical devices. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with underlying health conditions or receiving immunosuppressive treatments, are at a higher risk of developing C. parapsilosis infections. Additionally, the widespread use of catheters and other medical implants in healthcare settings has contributed to the rise of invasive C. parapsilosis infections, highlighting the importance of proper infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent the spread of this opportunistic fungal pathogen.

Related terms

Candida: A genus of yeasts that can cause opportunistic fungal infections, including candidiasis.

Mycosis: Any fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails, also known as a fungal infection.

Opportunistic Pathogen: A microorganism that can cause disease in individuals with weakened immune systems or other underlying health conditions.