6- Candida albicans normally causes superficial infections of the mucous membranes
that are typically resolved with topical drugs. However, infection within the lungs of
immunocompromised patients can develop if C. albicans is aspirated and treatment is
usually just as toxic to the patient than to the pathogen itself. Based upon your
understanding of fungal biology, explain how this pathogen is able to cause a more
severe form of disease within this area of the body and why such an infection is difficult
to treat.



Answer :

Final answer:

Candida albicans can cause severe lung infections in immunocompromised patients due to its pathogenic abilities and the weakened immune response in these individuals. Treating these infections is difficult because of the pathogen's ability to evade the body's defenses and the potential toxicity of antifungal drugs.


Explanation:

Candida albicans, a common fungus found in the mucous membranes, can cause severe lung infections in immunocompromised patients when aspirated. The ability of C. albicans to transition from a harmless form to a pathogenic form, along with the weakened immune response in these patients, contributes to the development of serious lung infections.

The difficulty in treating such infections lies in the fact that C. albicans can adapt to evade the body's defenses, making it challenging to eradicate the pathogen without causing significant harm to the patient. Additionally, antifungal drugs can have toxic effects on the patient's body, further complicating the treatment process.


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