Manifestations of Candida mycoses
Fungal infections of the gastrointestinal tract

Fungal infections of the gastrointestinal tract: Candida ssp. can cause pathological effects in the entire gastrointestinal tract, especially in the lower region. As such, the symptoms of yeast infections are usually non-specific and can strongly resemble those of irritable bowel syndrome.

Pathogenesis of colitis

For colitis affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract in particular, a number of pathogenetic mechanisms are known.

Pathological effects in the lower gastrointestinal tract

  • Enterocolitis following direct invasion of the mucosae of the small or the large intestines
  • Diarrhea without substantiated invasion of the mucous membranes (mechanism not known)
  • Ischaemic enteritis due to Candida sepsis and haematogenic spread (incl. the formation of embolisms)

Identification of intestinal yeast infections in diarrhea

In the presence of symptoms and the exclusion of the well-known pathogens causing diarrhea, the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) defines an intestinal fungal infection as the detection of 105 or more yeast cells/g of stool. The additional determination of virulence factors (e.g. SAP) can provide further information about whether in this case, in the present of clinical symptoms, a fungal requires treatment.

Treatment concept for intestinal yeast infections

 

Medication

In order to treat mycoses effectively and to prevent relapse, the combination of an antimycotic and accompanying measures is indicated.

Dietary measures

Yeasts metabolise low-molecular carbohydrates preferentially. Patients should consciously reduce sugar cane and other refined carbohydrates during antifungal treatment. Foods with a high percentage of vegetable fibre which are rich sources of roughage provide little nutrients for yeasts. They promote the gut motility and support physiological intestinal flora with their natural antagonistic activity towards yeasts. As such, food rich in roughage contributes to fortifying the body's own defence system and to healing mycoses of the gastrointestinal tract.

Hygiene measures

Clothing, washcloths, hand towels, and other hygiene items for daily use can contribute to the transmission of yeast infections. They should be frequently exchanged during treatment and subsequently replaced at regular intervals. Toothbrushes and dentures should be disinfected daily, carious teeth, tartar, gum pockets and similar dental diseases should be treated by a dental surgeon.

Adiclair Film-coated tablets international package insert to download
Adiclair Suspension international package insert to download