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

Published on: July 1, 2020

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Fungal Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Andrew Chao1, Jose A Vazquez1

  • 1Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.

Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|May 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections are increasingly recognized as significant threats in both animals and humans. The gastrointestinal tract serves as a common origin for these infections, prompting the development of new antifungal treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogen Discovery

Background:

  • Fungi have transitioned from being viewed as contaminants to recognized pathogens.
  • Fungi are widespread in diverse environments and associated with various hosts.
  • Fungal infections pose a growing threat to animal and human health, ranging from superficial to disseminated disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the evolving understanding of fungi as pathogens.
  • To emphasize the gastrointestinal tract's role in fungal colonization and infection.
  • To underscore the need for novel antifungal agents due to rising infection rates.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on fungal pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of fungal ubiquity and host association.
  • Examination of the gastrointestinal tract's susceptibility to fungal infections.

Main Results:

  • Fungi are now understood as significant pathogens in animals and humans.
  • The gastrointestinal tract is a frequent site of fungal colonization and a source of disseminated infections.
  • Increased incidence of fungal infections necessitates the use of new antifungal therapies.

Conclusions:

  • The perception of fungi has shifted towards recognizing their pathogenic potential.
  • The gastrointestinal tract is a critical interface for fungal exposure and infection.
  • The rise in fungal infections drives the development and application of novel antifungals.
Keywords:
Endemic mycosisEnterocolitisFungusGastrointestinal tractInfectionMoldYeast

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