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Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Fungal colonization and ASCA/p-ANCA positivity in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study from Turkey
Zülal Aşçı Toraman1, Pınar Öner2, Meryem Erdoğan1
1Firat University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Elazig, Turkey.
Introduction:
Recent research indicates that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit distinct intestinal fungal communities compared with healthy individuals. This study examined the relationship among anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA), and Candida spp. colonization to assess their utility in diagnosing IBD, differentiating subtypes, and predicting disease localization.
Methodology:
Serum samples from 240 patients with IBD and 61 healthy controls were tested for ASCA and p-ANCA using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA). Fecal samples were cultured to identify Candida species.
Results:
ASCA positivity was significantly higher in Crohn's disease (CD) (61.7%), whereas p-ANCA positivity was more frequent in ulcerative colitis (UC) (51.6%) (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). Fluorescence intensity showed stronger ASCA reactivity in CD and higher p-ANCA intensity in UC. Candida colonization (≥ 5 CFU) was detected in 64.2% of IBD patients, with Candida albicans the most common species. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was detected exclusively in IBD patients (3.7%, p = 0.038). Higher colonization rates were observed in UC with pancolitis (78.9%) and in CD with colonic involvement (80%). ASCA intensity inversely correlated with Candida load in CD (p = 0.021), whereas p-ANCA intensity positively correlated with Candida load in UC (p = 0.038). No significant differences in Candida species diversity were observed between subtypes.
Conclusions:
These findings support the diagnostic value of ASCA and p-ANCA in distinguishing IBD subtypes and highlight their association with Candida colonization. Further studies are warranted to elucidate fungal antigen-antibody interactions and to refine subtype-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Insights
This study reveals that anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) can help differentiate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subtypes and correlate with Candida colonization levels.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have distinct gut fungal communities.
- This study investigates the link between specific antibodies and Candida colonization in IBD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) in diagnosing IBD.
- To differentiate between IBD subtypes (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).
- To predict disease localization and understand the association with Candida spp. colonization.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed serum samples from 240 IBD patients and 61 healthy controls for ASCA and p-ANCA using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA).
- Cultured fecal samples to identify Candida species.
- Correlated antibody levels and Candida colonization rates with IBD subtypes and disease extent.
Main Results:
- ASCA positivity was higher in Crohn's disease (CD) (61.7%), while p-ANCA was more frequent in ulcerative colitis (UC) (51.6%).
- Candida colonization was detected in 64.2% of IBD patients, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae found exclusively in IBD patients.
- Higher Candida colonization rates were observed in UC with pancolitis (78.9%) and CD with colonic involvement (80%).
- ASCA intensity inversely correlated with Candida load in CD, whereas p-ANCA intensity positively correlated with Candida load in UC.
Conclusions:
- ASCA and p-ANCA are valuable diagnostic markers for distinguishing IBD subtypes.
- These antibodies are associated with Candida colonization patterns in IBD.
- Further research is needed to explore fungal antigen-antibody interactions for improved IBD diagnostics and therapeutics.
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