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Biography
The polymorphic fungus Candida is a member of the normal human microbiome and is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of the majority of the human population. This opportunistic pathogen can cause two major types of infections in humans: superficial infections, such as oral candidiasis, and life-threatening systemic infections. Candida infections of mucosal surfaces are extremely common and occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Despite their frequency and associated morbidity, superficial Candida infections are non-lethal. In stark contrast, systemic Candida infections are associated with crude mortality rates that range from 46 to 75%. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the factors that contribute to the pathogenic potential of this fungus, and the protective factors that control colonization and prevent infection.