Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis: a spectrum of genetic disorders

Abstract

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC) encompasses a heterogeneous group of syndromes associated with persistent or recurrent Candida infections of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. While chronic candi-diasis can present by itself or as part of a complex, including endocrinopathy, autoimmune manifestations, bone marrow failure and neoplastic diseases, it is often regarded as a warning sign for immunodeficiency. Here, we review the processes involved in host-microbial recognition of Candida and highlight underlying genetic causes of CMCC-including those that are monogenic (such as mutations in AIRE and STAT1) as well as polymor-phisms that increase susceptibility to candidal infection.