Predisposing factors and clinical symptoms in HIV-negative patients with Candida oesophagitis: are they always present?

Prevalence, Predictive Factors, and Clinical Manifestations of Fungal Esophagitis in Children

OBJECTIVES

Fungal esophagitis (FE) is the most common cause of esophageal infection and its prevalence in immunocompetent adults is rising. However, there is minimal data on FE in children without human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, symptoms, endoscopic appearances, and predictive factors of FE in children, regardless of immune status.

METHODS

A 2010-2020 retrospective case-control study was conducted on 1823 children presenting to Sydney Children's Hospital for elective endoscopy with esophageal biopsy. Histopathology reports were reviewed to identify FE cases and determine prevalence rates. Thirty-two patients with FE were age- and sex-matched (1:2) to 64 controls. Significant symptoms and risk factors of FE were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of FE in children was 1.76%. Common symptoms included dysphagia (25%), heartburn (25%), poor oral intake (21.9%), vomiting (18.8%), cough (15.6%), nausea (12.5%), and weight loss (9.4%). No significant differences in symptoms were found between cases and controls. On endoscopy, although white plaques were associated with FE ( P < 0.001), visually normal findings were reported in 28.1% of cases. Topical swallowed corticosteroids were a significant independent risk factor for FE (adjusted odds ratio = 10.740, 95% confidence interval: 1.213-95.101, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of FE in this pediatric cohort reflects rates among immunocompetent adults. Given that many of these children presented with a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, esophageal biopsy is required to accurately diagnose FE. Pediatricians should consider the risk of FE when prescribing topical swallowed corticosteroids.

Prevalence and clinical risk factors for esophageal candidiasis in non-human immunodeficiency virus patients: A multicenter retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Although esophageal candidiasis (EC) may manifest in immunocompetent individuals, there is a lack of consensus in the current literature about predisposing conditions that increase the risk of infection.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of EC in patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and identify risk factors for infection.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed inpatient and outpatient encounters from 5 regional hospitals within the United States (US) from 2015 to 2020. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions were used to identify patients with endoscopic biopsies of the esophagus and EC. Patients with HIV were excluded. Adults with EC were compared to age, gender, and encounter-matched controls without EC. Patient demographics, symptoms, diagnoses, medications, and laboratory data were obtained from chart extraction. Differences in medians for continuous variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and categorical variables using chi-square analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for EC, after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Of the 1969 patients who had endoscopic biopsies of the esophagus performed from 2015 to 2020, 295 patients had the diagnosis of EC. 177 of 1969 patients (8.99%) had pathology confirming the diagnosis of EC and were included in the study for data collection and further analysis. In comparison to controls, patients with EC had significantly higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease (40.10% vs 27.50%; P = 0.006), prior organ transplant (10.70% vs 2%; P < 0.001), immunosuppressive medication (18.10% vs 8.10%; P = 0.002), proton pump inhibitor (48% vs 30%; P < 0.001), corticosteroid (35% vs 17%; P < 0.001), Tylenol (25.40% vs 16.20%; P = 0.019), and aspirin use (39% vs 27.50%; P = 0.013). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients with a prior organ transplant had increased odds of EC (OR = 5.81; P = 0.009), as did patients taking a proton pump inhibitor (OR = 1.66; P = 0.03) or corticosteroids (OR = 2.05; P = 0.007). Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or medication use, including immunosuppressive medications, Tylenol, and aspirin, did not have a significantly increased odds of EC.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of EC in non-HIV patients was approximately 9% in the US from 2015-2020. Prior organ transplant, proton pump inhibitors, and corticosteroids were identified as independent risk factors for EC.

The diagnosis of clinically significant oesophageal Candida infections: a reappraisal of clinicopathological findings

AIMS

Distinguishing true oesophageal Candida infections from oral contaminants is a common diagnostic issue. Historically, histological features believed to indicate true infection included epithelial invasion by pseudohyphae and intraepithelial neutrophils. Whether or not these features correlate with endoscopic lesions, symptoms and response to therapy has never been tested in a large cohort. The aim of this study was to determine whether specific histological features correlate with clinical and endoscopic findings when Candida is found in oesophageal biopsies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed 271 biopsies in which Candida was detected. Cases were evaluated for the presence of desquamated epithelial cells, location/type of fungal forms, neutrophils, and ulceration. Medical records were reviewed for clinical history, endoscopic lesions, and response to antifungal therapy. Statistical analysis was used to determine whether any histological features significantly correlated with clinical variables. There were 120 males and 151 females with a mean age of 42 years. Fifty-nine per cent had symptoms referable to the oesophagus, particularly dysphagia (36%). Most (73%) patients had abnormal endoscopic findings, with plaques, ulcers, or macroscopic evidence of oesophagitis. Seventy-one per cent of patients with documented antifungal therapy showed symptomatic improvement. Overall, there was no statistically significant correlation between any histological feature and presenting symptoms, endoscopic findings, or response to therapy. Importantly, the lack of pseudohyphae, demonstrable invasion of intact epithelium or neutrophilic infiltrates did not exclude clinically significant infection.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that detection of Candida in oesophageal biopsies is always potentially clinically significant. Treatment decisions should be made on the basis of an integration of clinical, endoscopic and histological findings.

[Evaluation and management of infectious esophagitis in immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent individuals]

Among the many causes of the inflammatory process in the esophagus, infectious diseases are becoming increasingly important due to their steady growth. Previously esophageal infections have traditionally been associated with immunodeficiency syndromes, but now in clinical practice, these disorders are becoming increasingly recognized in immunocompetent individuals. Early diagnosis of infectious esophagitis is necessary to develop effective treatment tactics, and, as a result, reduce the risk of complications and adverse outcomes of the disease. This study reviewed the most clinical relevant pathogens of infectious esophagitis, both among patients with immunodeficiency and among healthy individuals. Specific diagnostic, risk factors, clinical presentation and therapeutic features were considered depending on the immune status of patients.

Infections of the esophagus: an update on risk factors, diagnosis, and management

Infectious esophagitis is a leading cause of esophagitis worldwide. While esophageal infections have traditionally been associated with immunocompromised patients, these disorders are becoming increasingly recognized in immunocompetent individuals. The three most common etiologies of infectious esophagitis are Candida, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus. Human papilloma virus infection can also involve the esophagus in the form of ulcerative lesions and papillomas. Less common etiologies include various other fungal, bacterial, and viral organisms. This review provides a comprehensive update on risk factors, diagnosis, and management of both common and less common infections of the esophagus.

Predictors of esophageal candidiasis among patients attending endoscopy unit in a tertiary hospital, Tanzania: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Background

Esophageal candidiasis is a common disease among patients with impaired cell mediated immunity. In the current study, we report esophageal candidiasis among patients with various co-morbidities attending the endoscopic unit at the Bugando Medical Centre.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted from June to September 2015. All data of the patients who attended the endoscopic unit between 2009 and 2014 were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

A total of 622 patients who underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy were analyzed. A slight majority 334/622(53.7%) of patients were female. Out of 622 patients; 35(5.6%) had esophageal candidiasis. Decrease in age (OR 1.1, 95%CI; 1.0–1.1), female sex (OR 3.8, 95%CI; 1.1–13.1), drinking alcohol (OR 17.1, 95%CI; 4.9–58.9), smoking (OR 8.3, 95%CI; 1.7–41.0), antibiotic use (OR 5.7, 95%CI; 2.0–16.4), positive HIV status (OR 10.3, 95%CI; 4.6–6.0) and presence of peptic ulcer disease (OR 13.2, 95%CI; 3.5–49.0) independently predicted esophageal candidiasis.

Conclusion

Patients with a history of drinking alcohol, smoking, use of antibiotics and those with chronic diseases such as peptic ulcers were at high risk of developing esophageal candidiasis. Further studies are needed to identify Candida spp. and their anti-fungal susceptibility for proper management of esophageal candidiasis in HIV and non-HIV individuals.

Isolation of Candida Species from Gastroesophageal Lesions among Pediatrics in Isfahan, Iran: Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Clinical Isolates by E-test

Background:

Candida species can become opportunistic pathogens causing local or systemic invasive infections. Gastroesophageal candidiasis may depend on the Candida colonization and local damage of the mucosal barrier. Risk factors are gastric acid suppression, diabetes mellitus, chronic debilitating states such as carcinomas, and the use of systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids. The aim of this study is collection and molecular identification of Candida species from gastroesophageal lesions among pediatrics in Isfahan, and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges for clinical isolates.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 200 patients underwent endoscopy (130 specimens from gastritis and 70 samples from esophagitis) were included in this study between April 2015 and November 2015. All specimens were subcultured on sabouraud dextrose agar, and genomic DNA of all strains was extracted using boiling method. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of the ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2 region were used for the identification of all Candida strains. MIC ranges were determined for itraconazole (ITC), amphotericin B (AmB), and fluconazole (FLU) by E-test.

Results:

Twenty of 200 suspected patients (10%) were positive by direct microscopy and culture. Candida albicans was the most common species (60%) followed by Candida glabrata (30%), Candida parapsilosis (5%), and Candida kefyr (5%). MIC ranges were determined for FLU (0.125–8 μg/mL), ITC (0.008–0.75 μg/mL), and AmB (0.008–0.75 μg/mL), respectively.

Conclusion:

Every colonization of Candida species should be considered as a potentially factor of mucocutaneous candidiasis and should be treated with antifungal drugs.

The Effectiveness of Voriconazole in Therapy of Candida glabrata's Biofilms Oral Infections and Its Influence on the Matrix Composition and Gene Expression

Candida glabrata is one of most prevalent yeast in fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Its azole resistance results in a low therapeutic response, particularly when associated with biofilms. The main goal of this work was to study the effectiveness of voriconazole (Vcz) against C. glabrata biofilms oral pathologies, as esophageal or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Antifungal susceptibilities were determined in pre-formed 24-h-biofilms and ERG genes expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Protein quantification was performed using BCA^® Kit, carbohydrate was estimated according to the Dubois assay and β-1,3 glucans concentration were determined using Glucatell^® kit. Finally, ergosterol, Vcz, and fluconazole (Flu) concentrations within the biofilm matrices were determined by RP-HPLC. Results showed that C. glabrata biofilms were more susceptible to Vcz than to Flu and that ERG genes expression evidenced an overexpression of the three ERG genes in the presence of both azoles. The matrix content presented a remarked decrease in proteins and an increase in carbohydrates, namely β-1,3 glucans. Ergosterol was successfully detected and quantified in the biofilm matrices, with no differences in all the considered conditions. Vcz demonstrated better diffusion through the biofilms and better cell penetration capacities, than Flu, indicating that the structure of the drug molecule fully influences its dissemination through the biofilm matrices. This work showed that Vcz is notably more effective than Flu for the treatment of resistant C. glabrata oral biofilms, which demonstrates a clinical relevance in its future use for the treatment of oropharyngeal/esophageal candidiasis caused by this species.

Intractable hiccups caused by esophageal diverticular candidiasis in an immunocompetent adult: a case report

Introduction

Various causes of intractable hiccups have been reported; however, to the best of our knowledge, there are no previous reports of either intractable hiccups due to esophageal candidiasis in an immunocompetent adult or improvement following antifungal therapy.

Case presentation

An 87-year-old man presented with intractable hiccups. Although the patient was immunocompetent, he used proton pump inhibitors. An esophagogastroduodenos-copy revealed several white deposits throughout the esophagus and extensive white deposits in the midesophageal diverticulum. A mucosal culture showed candidiasis, which was suspected to be the cause of the intractable hiccups. After oral fluconazole had been prescribed, the candidiasis resolved and the hiccups improved. Therefore, we concluded that esophageal diverticular candidiasis was the cause of his intractable hiccups.

Conclusion

Physicians should consider esophageal candidiasis as one of the differential diagnoses for intractable hiccups, even in immunocompetent adults.

Acid suppressing therapy as a risk factor for Candida esophagitis

Studies were reviewed from PubMed for risk factors for the development, recurrence, prevention and therapy of Candida esophagitis, and for mechanisms induced by acid-suppressing therapy potentially influencing these factors. Documented observations included greatly increased Candida populations in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine induced by acid-suppressing therapy. Among patients without HIV disease, PPI consumers more frequently had developed Candida esophagitis than did non-consumers and had also developed its recurrences more frequently. Similar phenomena associated with H2 -blocker use were less intense, and the possibility of similar phenomena in patients with HIV disease apparently had not yet been examined in spite of their high frequency of this disorder. PPI-induced elimination of the gastric acid barrier is a major mechanism leading to oro-pharyngeal and esophageal candida colonization, while PPI-induced impairment of absorption of most orally administered antifungal agents may limit the prophylactic and therapeutic success of these agents. These observations suggest potential value in limiting PPI use in populations of patients with Candida infections including esophagitis, as well as in patients at risk for their development, and also suggest that post-PPI rebound acid hypersecretion may provide additional anti-Candida benefit. Studies designed to develop the risk-benefit ratios of PPI use in these patients deserve investigation with high priority appropriate for studies in patients with HIV disease.

Candida esophagitis in a human immunodeficiency virus-1-positive elite controller with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis

We describe a case of Candida esophagitis in a human immunodeficiency virus elite controller with a preserved CD4 count, a population in which opportunistic infections are almost never seen. The patient has hepatitis C virus coinfection and compensated cirrhosis, suggesting a possible multifactorial etiology of immune dysregulation.

Relationship between clinical factors and severity of esophageal candidiasis according to Kodsi's classification

Severe Candida esophagitis (CE) may lead to development of strictures, hemorrhage, esophagotracheal fistula, and a consequent decrease in quality of life. Although the severity of CE has been classified based on macroscopic findings on endoscopy, the clinical significance remains unknown. The aim of the study was to elucidate the predictive clinical factors for endoscopic severity of CE. Patients who underwent upper endoscopy and answered questionnaires were prospectively enrolled. Smoking, alcohol, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, systemic steroids use, proton pump inhibitor use, H2 blocker use, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were assessed on the same day of endoscopy. GI symptoms including epigastric pain, heartburn, reflux, hunger cramps, nausea, dysphagia, and odynophagia were assessed on a 7-point Likert scale. Endoscopic severity was classified as mild (Kodsi's grade I/II) or severe (grade III/IV). Of 1855 patients, 71 (3.8%) were diagnosed with CE (mild, n = 48; severe, n = 23). In the CE patients, 50.0% (24/48) in the mild group and 23.1% (6/23) in the severe group did not have any GI symptoms. In HIV-infected patients (n = 17), a significant correlation was found between endoscopic severity and declining CD4 cell count (Spearman's rho = -0.90; P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that GI symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 3.32) and HIV infection (OR, 3.81) were independently associated with severe CE. Patients in the severe group experienced more epigastric pain (P = 0.02), reflux symptoms (P = 0.04), dysphagia (P = 0.05), and odynophagia (P < 0.01) than those in the mild group. Of the GI symptoms, odynophagia was independently associated with severe CE (OR 9.62, P = 0.02). In conclusion, the prevalence of CE in adults who underwent endoscopy was 3.8%. Silent CE was found in both mild and severe cases. Endoscopic severity was associated with characteristic GI symptoms and comorbidity of HIV infection. A decline in immune function correlated with CE disease progression.

Acid suppression therapy as a risk factor for Candida esophagitis

BACKGROUND/AIM

As the prevalence of reflux esophagitis increases, so does the use of gastric acid suppressants. This study aimed to document the prevalence of Candida esophagitis (CE) at a single Korean university hospital over the last 5 years and to evaluate its risk factors.

METHODS

To investigate the prevalence of CE, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 55,314 individuals who underwent a screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of a health check-up between January 2006 and December 2010 at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Seoul, Korea. A total of 250 patients who were treated for CE between January 2008 and August 2011 and 500 age- and sex-matched non-CE patients were enrolled in this study. The rates of recent gastric acid suppression therapy and other well-known risk factors in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CE was 0.35 % and increased each year (linear-by-linear association, P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that gastric acid suppression therapy, malignancy, DM and steroid therapy were related to CE. Multivariate analysis also showed that gastric acid suppression therapy (OR 5.11, 95 % CI 2.92-8.93 and P < 0.001), malignancy (OR 18.68, 95 % CI 6.37-54.75 and P < 0.001), DM (OR 2.67, 95 % CI 1.70-4.21 and P < 0.001) and steroids therapy (OR 6.74, 95 % CI 1.37-33.05 and P = 0.019) were related to CE.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CE in Korea is increasing. Also, our results indicate that acid suppression therapy is a meaningful risk factor for CE.

Factors associated with esophageal candidiasis and its endoscopic severity in the era of antiretroviral therapy

Background

Candidia esophagitis (CE) is an AIDS-defining condition, usually occurring in individuals with low CD4 counts of <200 cells/µL. Endoscopy is a valuable definitive diagnostic method for CE but may not be indicated for asymptomatic patients or for those with high CD4 counts or without oral candidiasis. This study assessed such patients to clarify the factors associated with CE and its severity on endoscopy in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era.

Methodology/ Principal Findings

A total of 733 HIV-infected patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were analyzed. Sexual behavior, CD4⁺ count, HIV-RNA viral load (VL), history of HAART, GI symptoms, GI diseases, and oral candidiasis were assessed. Endoscopic severity of CE was classified as mild (Kodsi's grade I/II) or severe (grade III/IV). Of the 733 subjects, 62 (8.46%) were diagnosed with CE (mild, n = 33; severe, n = 29). Of them, 56.5% (35/62) had no GI symptoms, 30.6% (19/62) had CD4 + ≥200 cells/μL, and 55.3% (21/38) had no oral candidiasis. Univariate analysis found lower CD4+ counts, higher HIV VL, and no history of HAART to be significantly associated with CE. With lower CD4⁺ counts and higher HIV VL, CE occurrence increased significantly (P<0.01 for trend in odds). Multivariate analysis showed low CD4+ counts and high HIV VL to be independently associated with CE. Of the severe CE patients, 55.2% (16/29) had no GI symptoms and 44.4% (8/18) had no oral candidiasis. Median CD4⁺ counts in severe cases were significantly lower than in mild cases (27 vs. 80; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Low CD4+ counts and high HIV VL were found to be factors associated with CE, and advanced immunosuppression was associated with the development of severity. Endoscopy is useful as it can detect CE, even severe CE, in patients without GI symptoms, those with high CD4 counts, and those without oral candidiasis.

A case report of herpetic and candidal esophagitis in an immunocompetent adult

Reports of combined candidal and herpetic esophagitis in immunocompetent states are rare and sporadic. A 44-year-old previously healthy lady presented with a one week history of progressive dysphagia, odynophagia and fever. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed extensive desquamation of the entire esophagus except for distal 4 cm. Histopathological examination revealed ulcerated and inflamed squamous epithelium with the margin of ulcer showing a few overhanging squamous cells with dense eosinophilic cytoplasm, multinucleated and faceted nuclei with glassy chromatin, and an occasional Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusion bodies. Few candidal spores were seen in the underlying stroma. Intravenous acyclovir, fluconazole and pantoprazole were initiated. Oral analgesics were given for pain relief. She was treated for a total of 14 days. She showed significant improvement and was tolerating oral intake after discharge. The patient was asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence at a 2-month follow-up.

On a fatal case of Candida krusei pleural empyema in a pregnant woman with spontaneous esophagus perforation

INTRODUCTION

Candida empyema thoracis can be a consequence of operation, gastropleural fistula, and esophageal perforation. Case report and review of the literature. A fatal case of a 45-year-old pregnant woman with Candida krusei empyema thoracis secondary to spontaneous esophagus perforation associated with candida esophagitis is reported. The case is contextualized among similar cases found through a PubMed search.

CONCLUSIONS

A suspect of esophagus rupture should arise in the presence of a fungal empyema. Candida esophagitis should be always considered as a possible cause or con-cause of esophagus rupture. An empirical systemic antimycotic therapy should always be considered in an ideal multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with esophagus rupture.

Candida esophagitis: species distribution and risk factors for infection

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.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis and other non-reflux inflammatory conditions of the oesophagus: diagnostic imaging and management

Non-reflux inflammatory conditions of the oesophagus are at present rarely encountered in routine clinical practice. However there has been a recent increase in their diagnosis notably due to heightened awareness of their existence and because of the emergence of a number of immunological diseases and deficiencies. Of all the non-reflux conditions, most interest and literature is emerging on the natural history, pathophysiology, endoscopic pattern and management of eosinophilic oesophagitis. This condition, which until five years ago was unknown to most physicians has now been studied worldwide and although the true prevalence remains unclear, the incidence is increasing annually. In this paper we discuss diagnostic imaging and management of non-reflux inflammatory disorders of the oesophagus with particular reference to eosinophilic oesophagitis and Crohn's disease, both conditions of probable over active immunology, to other conditions associated with immune deficiency such as infective oesophagitis (candida, CMV, HSV, HIV) and tuberculous oesophagitis, as well as drug induced oesophageal injury.