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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
07:42

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Published on: July 1, 2020

[Fungal invasions in the digestive tract in children]

M Kurnatowski1, K Wasowska-Królikowska, E Toporowska-Kowalska

  • 1Klinika Gastroenterologii i Alergologii Dzieciecej Instytutu Pediatrii AM, 91-738 Lódź, ul. Sporna 36/50.

Wiadomosci Parazytologiczne
|August 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated fungal infections in children with suspected gastrointestinal issues. Common Candida species were identified, highlighting potential links between oral and gut fungi in pediatric digestive health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal infections, particularly Candida species, can affect the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Children with suspected gastric and duodenal mucosa inflammation or absorption disturbances may be at risk for fungal invasions.
  • Understanding the spectrum of fungal species involved is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify fungal strains present in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of children.
  • To investigate the prevalence of specific fungal species in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • To explore the potential role of fungal invasions in pediatric digestive health issues.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and identification of 125 fungal strains from pediatric patients.
  • Utilized API 20C and API 20C AUX systems (bioMérieux) for accurate fungal identification.
  • Included species such as Candida albicans, C. famata, C. glabrata, C. guillermondii, C. kefyr, and C. tropicalis.

Main Results:

  • Successfully identified 125 fungal strains from the study cohort.
  • Confirmed the presence of common Candida species, including Candida albicans, C. famata, C. glabrata, C. guillermondii, C. kefyr, and C. tropicalis.
  • Established a profile of fungal agents implicated in the oral and gastrointestinal tracts of symptomatic children.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified several Candida species in children with suspected gastrointestinal inflammation and absorption disturbances.
  • These findings underscore the importance of considering fungal pathogens in the differential diagnosis of pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical significance and management strategies for fungal invasions in pediatric gastroenterology.

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