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This book on Candida albicans and similar pathogens provides a timely overview of the groundbreaking discoveries made in the areas of drug resistance, host–pathogen interactions, virulence, host immune system modulation, etc., in the last two decades. This comprehensive 2nd Edition includes chapters on fungal infections, hyphal morphogenesis, molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance, antifungal agents, multidrug transporters, virulence mechanisms in Candida albicans, host–pathogen interactions, the cell wall, fungal biofilms, lipids and antifungal resistance, signaling mechanisms and last but not the least host-immune responses. As such, it offers an ideal reference guide for mycologists, researchers, pharmacists, clinicians, and undergraduate students engaged or interested in fungal research. It will also benefit clinicians, who are required to keep abreast of the current state of research on antifungal drug resistance and antifungal development.

Candida, which was discovered more than a century ago as a causative organism of oral thrush, is now thought to potentially infect almost every tissue of the human body. Although we still do not have a safe anti-candida drug, the growing pace of progess of research on Candida albicans holds promise that a breakthrough is imminent. Though many monographs and articles on candida and candidoses have appeared in recent years, they mostly cover the clinical aspects. This particular text, however, explains the more basic features of candida including the molecular genetics, molecular biology and immunology of the cell wall, the molecular basis of morphogenesis and the structure and function of the plasma membrane. The role of anti-candida drugs and their mechanism of action are also discussed.