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[Scanning electron microscopy of microbes and their mechanism of attachment to human small intestinal mucosa]
1Zentralinstitut für Ernährung in Potsdam-Rehbrücke der Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR.
Abstract:
In connection with the electron-microscopy of bioptic material from the upper small intestine of children with intestinal diseases and diarrhea (10 months to 8 years) we found some cases of fungus infection (26%) besides many cases of bacterial attachment to the intestinal epithelium (72%). On the intestinal wall normal yeasts, pseudomycelium and common mycelium are visible. Partly the epithelium was entirely covered with mycelium. In some cases the hyphae invaded in the intestinal wall. The epithelium and the villi are not or only slightly altered. This gives the reason to believe that the fungi participate in inducing diarrhea. After medicamentous treatment with nystatine-preparations in some cases the health state of these children was improved.
Insights
Fungal infections were found in 26% of children with intestinal diseases and diarrhea. These fungi, including yeasts and mycelia, may contribute to diarrhea, with some cases improving after nystatin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Mycology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Electron microscopy of upper small intestine biopsies from children (10 months to 8 years) with intestinal diseases and diarrhea.
- High prevalence of bacterial attachment (72%) and notable incidence of fungal infections (26%) observed.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of microbial agents, specifically fungi, in pediatric diarrhea.
- To assess the impact of fungal presence on the intestinal epithelium and the efficacy of antifungal treatment.
Summary:
- Electron microscopy revealed fungal elements (yeasts, pseudomycelium, mycelium) on the intestinal epithelium in 26% of pediatric diarrhea cases.
- Fungal hyphae were observed invading the intestinal wall in some instances, with minimal epithelial or villi alteration.
- A correlation between fungal presence and diarrhea induction is suggested, supported by clinical improvement after nystatin treatment.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential etiological role of fungal infections in pediatric diarrhea.
- Suggests antifungal therapy as a potential treatment strategy for specific cases of pediatric diarrhea.
- Underscores the importance of considering fungal pathogens in the differential diagnosis of pediatric intestinal diseases.