Candida Esophagitis | ScienceGate

Although Candida albicans is the main cause of fungal esophagitis, other species such as C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. stellatoidea have also been implicated. Several studies have identified risk factors for C. albicans esophagitis. However, data for non-C. albicans species is still sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of Candida esophagitis in our medical centre over an 18-month period. Additionally, we aimed to investigate predisposing conditions for esophageal candidosis caused by different Candida species. A total of 21,248 upper gastroscopies were performed in Santa Casa Complexo Hospitalar between January 2005 and July 2006. The prevalence of Candida esophagitis was 0.74% (n = 158). C. albicans caused the vast majority of infections (96.2%), followed by C. tropicalis (2.5%), C. lusitaniae (0.6%) and C. glabrata (0.6%). There were 81 women (51.3%) and 77 men (48.7%). No case of mixed infection occurred. Concomitant oral candidosis was documented for 10.8% (n = 17). Most of cases (55.1%) involved outpatients. Around one fifth of patients in our cohort had no identifiable risk factors for esophageal candidosis (20.8%). Since nearly all infections were caused by C. albicans we were not able to determine risk factors for esophagitis caused by other Candida species.

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FREQUENCY OF ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN NON HIV DYSPHAGIC PATIENTS ON UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY

Journal of Saidu Medical College, Swat ◽

10.52206/jsmc.2016.6.1.758-761 ◽

1969 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 758-761

Author(s):

NOWSHERWAN ◽

S.M ATHAR ◽

M.AMJAD ◽

YASIN ◽

IBRAR

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽

High Dose ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Esophageal Candidiasis ◽

Gi Endoscopy ◽

Upper Gi ◽

Candida Esophagitis ◽

Upper Gi Endoscopy ◽

Underlying Risk

BACKGROUND: There is growing incidence of Candida esophagitis due to the increasing numbers ofimmune compromised patients, intensive chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, high dose oraland inhaled corticosteroids, potent antibiotic therapy, alcoholism and chronic illness such as diabetesmellitus and liver cirrhosis all have contributed to this increase. The diagnosis is made based on physicalexamination. Grams stain of the smear (hyphae) may further add in the diagnosis. Endoscopic diagnosisis based on characteristic lesions. This study was carried out to assess the status of esophagealcandidiasis in non HIV infected patients attending a teaching hospital.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of esophageal candidiasis in non HIV patients presentingwith dysphagia and to assess the underlying risk factors.MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a retrospective observational study, carried out at Lady ReadingHospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from September 2008 to November 2010. All the patients presenting withdysphagia underwent upper GI endoscopic examination during 2008 to 2010. The cases thoroughlyreviewed regarding their history examination and findings of the endoscopy. Patients with HIV / AIDSwere excluded. Results were compiled and statistically analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 200 cases were included. Male to female ratio was 2.1 : 1 . Mean age was 52.9 ±14.6. The main indications were dysphagia/odynophagia. Esophageal candidiasis was found in 28patients, out of which, 20 were male and 08 were female. The underlying risk factors were also assessed.The major risk factors were steroid therapy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, carcinoma esophagus andstomach, broad spectrum antibiotic and chronic liver diseases.CONCLUSION: Dysphagia is a significant presenting feature of Candida esophagitis Anti-fungaltreatment for 2 to 3 weeks is recommended on empirical basis in high risk patients for esophagealcandidiasis. If no improvement, then upper GI endoscopy is recommended.KEY WORDS: Esophageal candidiasis, Non-HIV, dysphagia.

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