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Fungal flora of human faeces in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
M Buslau1, I Menzel, H Holzmann
1Zentrum der Dermatologie und Venerologie, Abt. I, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main, Germany FR.
Abstract:
Faeces samples taken from 343 patients with psoriasis and 581 patients with atopic dermatitis were subjected to mycological examination. Yeasts were detected in 68% of the psoriatics and in 70% of the patients with atopic dermatitis but in only 54% of the controls (n = 50). Qualitative analysis revealed a predominance of Candida albicans. Non-pathogenic yeasts constituted only 1% in each of these groups. Of the hyphomycetes, Geotrichum candidum occurred in 22% of the psoriatics, in 10% of the atopic dermatitis patients and in 3% of the controls. Aspergillus species were found in 1% of the patients but not in the controls. Stool samples collected on three consecutive days from 141 patients were examined for yeasts. Qualitative correlation between all three samples was shown in 95% of the patients and quantitative correlation in 38%. Deviations were mainly of exponential magnitude. Germ cell concentration of 10(4) cells per ml and above were measured in 38% of the psoriatics and in 28% of the atopic dermatitis patients but in only 22% of the test subjects with healthy skin. There was no correlation between the concentration levels of yeasts in the faeces and the extent of psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Insights
Fungal yeast and hyphomycetes were more prevalent in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis compared to controls. Higher yeast concentrations were observed in patients, but no correlation with disease severity was found.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are common inflammatory skin conditions.
- The role of gut microbiota, including fungi, in these diseases is increasingly recognized.
- Previous studies have suggested alterations in fungal populations in skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of yeasts and hyphomycetes in the faeces of patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
- To compare fungal presence and concentration in these patient groups with healthy controls.
- To explore potential correlations between fecal fungal load and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Mycological examination of faeces samples from 343 psoriasis patients, 581 atopic dermatitis patients, and 50 controls.
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of yeast and hyphomycete species, including Candida albicans, Geotrichum candidum, and Aspergillus species.
- Stool samples collected on three consecutive days from 141 patients to assess yeast correlation.
Main Results:
- Yeasts were detected in 68% of psoriasis patients and 70% of atopic dermatitis patients, versus 54% in controls.
- Candida albicans was predominant; Geotrichum candidum was found in 22% of psoriasis patients and 10% of atopic dermatitis patients.
- Higher germ cell concentrations (≥10^4 cells/ml) were observed in patients (38% psoriasis, 28% atopic dermatitis) compared to controls (22%).
- No correlation was found between fecal yeast concentration and the extent of psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Conclusions:
- Patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis exhibit a higher prevalence of fecal yeasts and certain hyphomycetes compared to healthy individuals.
- While fungal load is elevated in these patients, it does not correlate with disease severity.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical significance of these fungal alterations in inflammatory skin diseases.