International
Pathogens

Candida parapsilosis
(fungus)

Candida parapsilos is is a pathogenic yeast that belongs to the Saccharomycetaceae family. C. parapsilosis can cause sepsis, wound and tissue infections, or endocarditis [1,2].

Occurrence

C. parapsilosis is found worldwide and is part of the normal microbiota of humans and animals. The pathogen is therefore not usually dangerous to healthy individuals. However, especially in critically ill and immunocompromised individuals, C. parapsilosis can cause invasive infections [3].
Yeasts
Most yeasts that proliferate by budding or division have a tubular form.

Disease and symptoms

C. parapsilosis is now considered one of the most common causes of systemic Candida infections. While the pathogen was previously associated with infections in children, it is now frequently detected in catheter-related bloodstream infections (sepsis) in adults [1]. Infections of the heart (endocarditis), the central nervous system, the eyes, bones, and internal organs are also possible [2,3].

The mortality rate for invasive infections with C. parapsilosis is high and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), ranges between 20% and 45% despite fungicidal treatment [3].

Transmission

Because C. parapsilosis is part of the normal skin flora, transmission occurs primarily through direct or indirect contact with contaminated individuals or objects–e.g., via the hands or medical devices [1].

Hygiene measures

Preventive hygiene measures against systemic Candida infections in healthcare facilities include hand hygiene, a range of measures against bloodstream infections, and, if necessary, chlorhexidine baths for affected patients. Surface hygiene is also very important [4].

Threat from fungicidal resistance

Due to the increasing threat of resistant fungi, the WHO published a list of fungi that pose a health risk (Fungal Priority Pathogen List, FFPL) for the first time in 2022, in which C. parapsilosis is listed in the high priority group (second highest priority group). The list contains a total of 19 fungi, of which four (Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans) belong to the highest priority group (critical priority) [3]. Overall, the WHO assesses the antifungal resistance of C. parapsilosisas moderate, with resistance to azoles playing a particularly important role [3].

A retrospective epidemiological study published in 2025 suggests that azole-resistant C. parapsilosis is also increasingly spreading in healthcare facilities in Germany [1].

Required spectrum of activity

Hand and surface disinfectants must have yeasticidal efficacy.

Here you can find products with a yeasticidal spectrum of activity.

Sources:

  1. Brassington PJT et al. (2025)Genomic reconstruction of an azole-resistant Candida parapsilosis outbreak and the creation of a multi-locus sequence typing scheme: a retrospective observational and genomicepidemiology study. Lancet Microbe6:100949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.07.012
  2. Thompson GR 3rd et al.(2023) Fungal Endocarditis: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management. Clin Microbiol Rev 36:e0001923. https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00019-23
  3. World Health Organization (2022) WHO fungal priority pathogens list to guide research, development and public health action. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240060241(accessed on October 9,2025)
  4. Cornely OAet al. (2025) Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of candidiasis: an initiative of the ECMM in cooperation with ISHAM and ASM. Lancet Infect Dis25:e280-e293 [full text and supplementary appendix]. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00749-7

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