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[Presence of fungi in stool of children]

Bolesław Pawlik1, Anna B Macura, Jolanta Białek-Kaleta

  • 1Zakład Mykologii Katedry Mikrobiologii Collegium Medicum U.J. w Krakowie.

Medycyna Doswiadczalna I Mikrobiologia
|March 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections in stool were studied in 258 children. Pathogenic fungal levels (>10^5 cells/gram) were found in 48.1% of children with gastrointestinal disorders and 35.9% of asthmatics.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Fungal presence in stool is common in children.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders and asthma may be associated with fungal colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify fungal presence in the stool of children with non-specific gastrointestinal tract disorders and asthma.
  • To determine pathogenic fungal levels and identify common fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • A total of 258 children were enrolled: 148 with gastrointestinal disorders and 110 asthmatics.
  • Quantitative analysis of fungal cells in stool using enzymatic and mechanical homogenization.
  • Fungal counts were categorized as <10^3, 10^3-10^5, and >10^5 cells/gram; >10^5 was considered pathogenic.

Main Results:

  • Overall fungal presence was higher in asthmatics (83.6%) compared to children with gastrointestinal disorders (70.3%).
  • Pathogenic fungal levels (>10^5 cells/gram) were found in 48.1% of children with gastrointestinal disorders and 35.9% of asthmatics.
  • Candida albicans was the predominant species; other Candida species showed higher antifungal resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal colonization is prevalent in children, particularly asthmatics.
  • A significant proportion of children with gastrointestinal disorders and asthma harbor pathogenic fungal levels.
  • Antifungal resistance in non-albicans Candida species warrants further investigation for treatment strategies.

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