Preface

*Candida albicans*, a fungal pathobiont, is the major component of the microbiota communities in healthy adults. It resides in the host's gastrointestinal tract and mouth. *C. albicans* can become pathogenic via overgrowth of the fungus under a variety of conditions. Infection caused by *C. albicans* can form a biofilm that is resistant to antifungal therapeutics and the host immune system. The epithelial cells in mucosa help develop elaborate immune responses again *C. albicans* infection. Genetic mutations play an important role in the virulence of *C. albicans*. Whole-genome sequencing has revealed more identifications of population structure, epidemiological investigations, and phylogenetic analyses of *Candida* species.

This book reviews recent knowledge and the latest research on *C. albicans*, including the mechanism of candidiasis infection, host response, antifungal strategies, biofilms, genetics, and molecular epidemiology of immune responses.

Chapter 1 examines several factors of *C. albicans* pathogenesis. It surveys all the underlying variables and components of pathogenesis to improve understanding of these factors' effects on modulate virulence and consequent infection.

Chapter 2 discusses the molecular mechanisms of resistance to antifungal agents at the molecular level described in *C. albicans*. The information presented may be helpful for discovering new antifungal agents or targets to combat candidiasis.

Chapter 3 reviews current advances in model construction, target identification, and validation. It presents several examples of successful metabolic model construction and these models' utility in rational drug design.

Chapter 4 examines the effect of cell-mediated (T cells) and immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells) on *C. albicans* infection. The chapter adds to the understanding of immune responses and antibody-mediated responses fighting infection.

Chapter 5 discusses onychomycosis, a common fungal infection affecting nails. Caused by *C. albicans*, onychomycosis is frequently associated with local or systemic immune disturbances. Microscopic examination and fungal cultures are the gold standard methods for diagnosing onychomycosis.

Chapter 6 discusses *C. albicans* and the risk of miscarriage. Excessive growth of *C. albicans* can cause vulvovaginal candidiasis, which, if chronic and recurrent in pregnant persons, may contribute to spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.

Understanding the mechanism of *C. albicans* infection can aid in developing proper treatment and discovering novel drugs.

> **Xinhui Wang** School of Computer Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China

Section 1
