ABSTRACT
Candidiasis may be manifested in a variety of clinical forms including cutaneous, e.g., skin and nails; mucocutaneous, e.g., oral cavity, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina; and systemic disease. In the clinical situation, systemic disease appears to be initiated when the mucosal barrier is penetrated and the organism gains access to the circulatory system. Although penetration of the barrier may be more efficient if the mucosa is damaged, transepithelial movement appears to occur across the undamaged mucosa if the concentration of organisms is sufficiently high. The bacterial flora, hormones, undefined serum factors, complement, and phagocytosis comprise the major innate and nonimmune mechanisms contributing to resistance in the healthy individual.
