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Updated: Jul 27, 2025

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Candida spp. in Human Intestinal Health and Disease: More than a Gut Feeling
Irini A M Kreulen1, Wouter J de Jonge1,2,3, René M van den Wijngaard1,2
1Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Fungi are an essential part of the normal collection of intestinal microorganisms, even though their collective abundance comprises only 0.1-1% of all fecal microbes. The composition and role of the fungal population is often studied in relation to early-life microbial colonization and development of the (mucosal) immune system. The genus Candida is frequently described as one of the most abundant genera, and altered fungal compositions (including elevated abundance of Candida spp.) have been linked with intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. These studies are performed using both culture-dependent and genomic (metabarcoding) techniques. In this review, we aimed to summarize existing data on intestinal Candida spp. colonization in relation to intestinal disease and provide a brief overview of the biological and technical challenges in this field, including the recently described role of sub-species strain variation of intestinal Candida albicans. Together, the evidence for a contributing role of Candida spp. in pediatric and adult intestinal disease is quickly expanding, even though technical and biological challenges may limit full understanding of host-microbe interactions.
Insights
The gut microbiome includes fungi like Candida, which can be linked to intestinal diseases. Research is expanding on Candida
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fungi constitute 0.1-1% of the gut microbiome.
- Candida species are abundant gut fungi.
- Altered fungal composition is linked to intestinal diseases like IBD and IBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review data on intestinal Candida colonization and disease.
- To overview biological and technical challenges in studying gut fungi.
- To highlight Candida albicans strain variation's role.
Main Methods:
- Culture-dependent techniques.
- Genomic metabarcoding techniques.
- Literature review of existing data.
Main Results:
- Evidence linking Candida spp. to intestinal diseases is growing.
- Candida spp. are frequently abundant in the gut.
- Sub-species strain variation in Candida albicans is a new area of study.
Conclusions:
- Candida spp. may play a role in pediatric and adult intestinal diseases.
- Further research is needed to overcome technical and biological challenges.
- Understanding host-microbe interactions involving Candida is crucial.
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