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[Fungi in the oro-intestinal tract and their scientifically founded status]
1Klinik für Innere Medizin A, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald.
Abstract:
The orointestinal tract is a reservoir for facultatively pathogenic fungi, especially Candida albicans. In all of its sections in immunocompromised hosts, the occurrence of a mucosal mycosis is possible which may be the starting point of an infection of internal organs. The mouth and esophagus are the most often affected locations. A synopsis of clinical (including endoscopic) findings, mycological cultivation and mycoserology is important in diagnostics. There is no connection between the incidence of Candida in the orointestinal tract and multiple local symptoms like fatigue, headache, heartburn and others called "candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome" or "mycophobia".
Insights
The orointestinal tract harbors fungi like Candida albicans, potentially causing mucosal mycosis in immunocompromised individuals. This fungal overgrowth does not cause symptoms like fatigue or headache, debunking the candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The orointestinal tract serves as a reservoir for fungi, particularly Candida albicans.
- Immunocompromised hosts are susceptible to mucosal mycosis, which can lead to systemic infections.
- The mouth and esophagus are the most frequently impacted sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Candida albicans in the orointestinal tract.
- To clarify diagnostic approaches for orointestinal candidiasis.
- To evaluate the association between Candida colonization and specific patient symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and endoscopic findings.
- Mycological cultivation techniques.
- Myco-serological diagnostic methods.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans is a common inhabitant of the orointestinal tract.
- Mucosal mycosis is a potential complication in immunocompromised individuals.
- No correlation was found between Candida presence and symptoms attributed to candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome or mycophobia.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of orointestinal candidiasis requires a combination of clinical, endoscopic, mycological, and serological assessments.
- Symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and heartburn are not indicative of Candida overgrowth in the orointestinal tract.
- The concept of candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome lacks scientific basis regarding Candida colonization.