Harnessing probiotics against candidiasis: a systematic review of experimental and mechanistic evidence

Background

Candida species are among the most important opportunistic fungal pathogens responsible for superficial mucosal infections and life-threatening invasive candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance, biofilm-associated tolerance, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant species such as Candida auris have highlighted the need for alternative or adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Probiotics have emerged as promising microbiome-based interventions owing to their ability to inhibit Candida growth, suppress virulence traits, restore microbial homeostasis, and modulate host immune responses.