Prevalence and risk factors of esophageal candidiasis in healthy individuals: a single center experience in Korea

Esophageal Candidiasis-Associated Hospitalizations: Declining Rates and Changes in Underlying Conditions, United States, 2010-2020

In a nationally representative hospital discharge database, esophageal candidiasis-associated hospitalization rates per 100 000 population steadily declined from 17.0 (n = 52 698, 2010) to 12.9 (n = 42 355, 2020). During this period, a decreasing percentage of EC-associated hospitalizations involved HIV and an increasing percentage involved gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes, and long-term steroid use.

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.

Predictors of Underlying Esophageal Motility Disorders in Patients Presenting with Esophageal Candidiasis

OBJECTIVES

Esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) are a known risk factor for esophageal candidiasis (EC), but this relation has not been described particularly well. We sought to evaluate the predictors of underlying EMDs in patients presenting with EC.

METHODS

Cases of EC at a single medical center between 2010 and 2021 were identified retrospectively based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and manometric data were reviewed. The diagnosis of EC was based on typical endoscopic appearance.

RESULTS

In total, 130 EC patients were identified (mean age 69.5 ± 14.6; 66.2% male). Of these, 12 (9.2%) had an underlying EMD (11 cases of achalasia; 1 case of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction). Five (41.7%) of these patients had previously been diagnosed as having an EMD, whereas 7 were newly diagnosed only after their presentation with EC. No significant differences were noted between those with or without EMDs in terms of demographics, medical comorbidities, or medication use. Patients with an EMD, however, were more likely to complain of dysphagia (91.7% vs 30.5%, P < 0.001), and on endoscopy, they were more likely to have residual food in the esophagus, residual fluid in the esophagus, a dilated esophagus, and resistance to traversing the esophagogastric junction (all P < 0.001). Sixty-one (46.9%) patients with EC died during follow-up (mean 58 months).

CONCLUSIONS

EMDs are present in approximately 10% of patients presenting with EC, with half being diagnosed only after presenting with EC. Similar to non-EC patients, patients with EC with dysphagia and the typical endoscopic findings of achalasia are more likely to have an EMD and warrant prompt manometric evaluation.

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.

Prevalence and risk factors for Candida esophagitis among human immunodeficiency virus-negative individuals

BACKGROUND

Candida esophagitis (CE) is among the commonest esophageal infections and is known as an opportunistic fungal infection mostly affecting people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, some medical conditions might predispose HIV-negative individuals to esophageal candidiasis. The epidemiology and associated endoscopic findings of CE among people without HIV have rarely been reported.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of CE among HIV-negative persons, and determine risk factors predicting CE.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and December 2018, all consecutive outpatients who underwent routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of health check-ups at their own expense at the Health Check-up Center of the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, were recruited in this study. Those with positive HIV serology results were excluded. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including age, gender, economic status, smoking history, alcohol consumption, tea and coffee consumption, underlying diseases, body fat percentage, body mass index, endoscopic findings, and Helicobacter pylori infection status were carefully reviewed. CE was confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and pathological assessment with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. To evaluate independent factors predicting the development of CE, we conducted a univariate analysis of clinical characteristics. The variables found to be significant via univariate analysis were subsequently included in a multivariable analysis of potential risk factors for CE development.

RESULTS

A total of 11802 participants were included in this study. Forty-seven (0.4%) were confirmed as having CE by pathological examination. Univariate analysis identified older age, the presence of chronic kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and steroid use (P = 0.023, < 0.001, 0.033, and 0.004, respectively) as significantly associated with CE. Multivariable analysis revealed older age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.027; 95%CI: 1.001-1.053; P = 0.045], chronic kidney disease (adjusted OR = 13.470; 95%CI: 4.574-39.673; P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (adjusted OR = 2.103; 95%CI: 1.151-3.844; P = 0.016), and steroid use (adjusted OR = 24.255; 95%CI: 5.343-110.115; P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for CE development. The presence of dysphagia was associated with severe CE (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CE among HIV-negative persons was 0.4% in Taiwan. Independent risk factors for CE were older age, chronic kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and steroid use.

A six-year hospital-based surveillance study on burden of esophageal candidiasis in Gangtok, Sikkim

Background and Objectives

Esophageal candidiasis once thought to be restricted amongst immunocompromised patients is being increasingly reported among non-immunocompromised individuals. It is debilitating and if not treated well may cause chronic long-lasting infections. The objective of this study was to identify the various species of Candida causing esophageal candidiasis and analyse their antifungal susceptibility pattern.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational, prospective study. Total of 108 patients who attended the Gastroenterology Department of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital, Govt of Sikkim, Gangtok, India between July 2012 - May 2018 were included in the study. They had complaints of upper gastrointestinal disturbances and chronic dyspeptic symptoms that required an endoscopy. Esophageal biopsy and brushings were taken and were transported to Microbiology Department. They were subjected to microscopic observation, fungal culture on Sabourauds dextrose agar. Preliminary species identification was done by chlamydospore formation and growth characteristics on CHROMagar Candida. Species confirmation and antifungal susceptibility testing was done on VITEK 2 system at Microbiology Department, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, MAHE, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Results

A total of 108 patients were screened among which 73 samples were positive for Candida species and species identification and antifungal susceptibility was performed. Forty fiveisolates were found to be C. albicans, 8 were C. glabrata, 4 were C. tropicalis, 3 were C. lusitaniae 2 were C. krusei, 2 were C. lipolyticaand 1 was C. parapsilosis. Eight isolates could not be identified and were recorded as Candida spp. C. albicans isolates were predominantly sensitive strain with susceptibility of 95% for both amphotericin B and fluconazole and 100% for caspofungin. C. glabrata showed high resistance to fluconazole with one isolate showing intermediate resistance to caspofungin.

Conclusion

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms even in non-immunocompromised patients need to be screened by endoscopy to rule out esophageal candidiasis. With the emergence of drug resistant non albicans Candida species diagnostic testing laboratories should include Candida species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing facility to provide effective patient care.

Nausea and vomiting caused by candida esophagitis in an elderly frail patient

An elderly frail lady with features of malnutrition was investigated by endoscopy because of nausea and vomiting. Candida esophagitis was found, and there was symptomatic and endoscopic resolution after treatment with amphotericin B.

Current situation of fungal diseases in Eritrea

The epidemiology of fungal infections in Eritrea is unknown. Most cases are under‐reported due to a lack of diagnostics. This study estimates the burden of serious fungal infections and highlights treatment and diagnostic gaps in the country. All publications related to fungal infections were identified by searches using PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar. Where no data were available, data from neighbouring countries, then sub‐Saharan African countries, then other parts of the world were considered for deriving estimates. The Eritrea population was 3,546,427 in 2020. In 2020, HIV/AIDS patients numbered 1400 and TB incidence were 2875. The five‐year adult prevalence of asthma (2016–2020) was 41,390, and the total prevalence estimate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was 308,328. The annual incidence of cryptococcal meningitis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in AIDS patients was estimated at 96 and 205 cases. Oesophageal candidiasis incidence is 715 HIV‐infected patients. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis prevalence, including post‐tuberculosis cases, was estimated at 1399 (39/100,000). Fungal asthma has a prevalence of 1035 and 1366 in adults. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 59,391 and 342,585, respectively. There are no data on candidaemia, but it is estimated at 5/100,000 (177 cases annually). Invasive aspergillosis in leukaemia, lung cancer, COPD and HIV is estimated at 540 cases and fungal keratitis in 514 cases annually. Serious fungal infections are prevalent in Eritrea with approximately 408,164 people (11.5%) affected annually. Studies on fungal diseases to improve diagnosis and treatment are required with the implementation of a national surveillance program.

Chronic fibrosing esophagitis with diffuse esophageal intramural pseudo‐diverticulosis

Diffuse esophageal intramural pseudo‐diverticulosis (DEIPD) is a chronic fibrosing inflammation of the esophagus of unknown origin. Its name derives from the characteristic pseudo‐diverticula formed by dilated ducts of submucosal glands. With an assumed prevalence of approximately 5–50/100 000, DEIPD is more frequent than previously estimated. It preferentially affects men between 50 and 70 years of age with a history of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Key symptoms are chronic dysphagia and food impactions. Typical endoscopic findings are multiple small, longitudinally aligned pseudo‐diverticle openings and trachealization of the esophagus. Additionally, the usually gray mucosa may show a fine‐grained pattern of very small red dots that merge into a pink tint, called “faux uni pattern.” Once established, clinical symptoms and endoscopic changes persist throughout life. Although there is no known causal therapy, complications like bolus impactions, candida infections, or reflux can and should be treated.

A Practical Guide to the Management of Oral Candidiasis in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis Receiving Treatments That Target Interleukin-17

Plaque psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with the dysregulation of cytokines, especially those involved in the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 pathways. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing biologic therapies that target these pathways. However, inhibition of the cytokines of the IL-23/IL-17 pathways may increase patients' risk of developing fungal infections, particularly oral candidiasis. Therefore, it is important that dermatology practitioners can effectively diagnose and treat oral candidiasis. In this review, we examine the role of the IL-23/IL-17 pathways in antifungal host defense, and provide a practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of oral candidiasis in patients with psoriasis. Overall, while treatment with anti-IL-17 medications leads to an increased incidence of oral candidiasis in patients with psoriasis, these cases are typically mild or moderate in severity and can be managed with standard antifungal therapy without discontinuing treatment for psoriasis. If applicable, patients with psoriasis should also be advised to practice good oral hygiene and manage or control co-existing diabetes, and should be provided with information on smoking cessation to prevent oral candidiasis.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Esophageal iasis in Cirrhosis: An Observational Study With Systematic Re and Meta-Analysis (CANDID-VIEW)

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal candidiasis is often neglected and potentially serious infection in cirrhosis patients. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of esophageal candidiasis (EC) in cirrhotics and did a systematic review to summarize EC's available evidence in cirrhosis.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with cirrhosis posted for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at a tertiary care institute were screened for EC (cases) between January 2019 and March 2020. EC was diagnosed on EGD findings and/or brush cytology. Controls (without EC) were recruited randomly, and EC's risk factors and outcomes were compared between cases and controls.Four electronic databases were searched for studies describing EC in cirrhosis. Prevalence estimates of EC were pooled on random-effects meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed by I². A checklist for prevalence studies was used to evaluate the risk of bias in studies.

RESULTS

EC was diagnosed in 100 of 2762 patients with cirrhosis (3.6%). Patients with EC had a higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) (12.4 vs. 11.2; P = 0.007), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) (26% vs. 10%; P = 0.003) and concomitant bacterial infections (24% vs. 7%; P = 0.001), as compared with controls. A multivariable model, including recent alcohol binge, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleed, ACLF, diabetes, and MELD, predicted EC's development in cirrhosis with excellent discrimination (C-index: 0.918). Six percent of cases developed the invasive disease and worsened with multiorgan failures, and four patients with EC died on follow-up.Of 236 articles identified, EC's pooled prevalence from 8 studies (all with low-risk of bias) was 2.1% (95% CI: 0.8-5.8). Risk factors and outcomes of EC in cirrhosis were not reported in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

EC is not a rare infection in cirrhosis patients, and it may predispose to invasive candidiasis and untimely deaths. Alcohol binge, HCC, UGI bleed, ACLF, diabetes, and higher MELD are the independent predictors of EC in cirrhosis. At-risk patients with cirrhosis or those with deglutition symptoms should be rapidly screened and treated for EC.

Predictors for oesophageal candidiasis in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background and aim

Oesophageal candidiasis (OC) is one of the most common infections among patients with liver cirrhosis. The present study evaluates the potential predictors for OC among liver cirrhosis patients.

Methodology

This retrospective study was conducted in the tertiary care centre of coastal Karnataka from January 2016 to April 2022. Patients aged 18 and above with a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis were selected. Patients were equally divided into two groups, i.e., case and control, based on the presence and absence of OC.

Results

A total of 1513 patients with cirrhosis underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Of these, 50 (3.3%) were diagnosed with OC and taken into case group. An equal number of patients were selected in control group and matched for gender, age and etiology. Most participants were male (94%), with a mean age of 48.46±11.82 years. A lower serum creatinine value was noted among patients with OC. Binary logistic regression identified serum creatinine as an independent predictor for OC (OR: 7.65, 95% CI: 2.012-29.08; p-value: 0.003). The receiver operating characteristic curve for serum creatinine showed the highest significance with a cut-off of <0.86 mg/dL (AUC: 0.722).

Conclusion

Serum creatinine is the independent predictor for OC among liver cirrhosis patients. The possible mechanism is that cirrhosis is a catabolic state in which muscle protein breakdown exceeds synthesis, resulting in decreased muscle mass and low creatinine levels. However, more prospective studies are required to evaluate the role of sarcopenia with OC among liver cirrhosis patients.

Risk-Based Estimate of Human Fungal Disease Burden, China

We conducted a systematic literature review to obtain risk population–based fungal disease incidence or prevalence data from China. Data were categorized by risk factors and extrapolated by using most recent demographic figures. A total of 71,316,101 cases (5.0% of the population) were attributed to 12 risk factors and 17 fungal diseases. Excluding recurrent Candida vaginitis (4,057/100,000 women) and onychomycosis (2,600/100,000 persons), aspergillosis (317/100,000 persons) was the most common problem; prevalence exceeded that in most other countries. Cryptococcal meningitis, an opportunistic infection, occurs in immunocompetent persons almost twice as often as AIDS. The pattern of fungal infections also varies geographically; Talaromyces marneffei is distributed mainly in the Pearl River Basin, and the Yangtze River bears the greatest histoplasmosis burden. New host populations, new endemic patterns, and high fungal burdens in China, which caused a huge impact on public health, underscore the urgent need for building diagnostic and therapeutic capacity.

Serious fungal diseases in Democratic Republic of Congo - Incidence and prevalence estimates

A literature review was conducted to assess the burden of serious fungal infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (population 95,326,000). English and French publications were listed and analysed using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and the African Journals database. Publication dates spanning 1943-2020 were included in the scope of the review. From the analysis of published articles, we estimate a total of about 5,177,000 people (5.4%) suffer from serious fungal infections in the DRC annually. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in adults and invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 6168, 2800 and 380 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis represent 50,470 and 28,800 HIV-infected patients respectively. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis post-tuberculosis incidence and prevalence was estimated to be 54,700. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization) probably has a prevalence of 88,800 and 117,200. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 1,202,640 and 3,551,900 respectively.Further work is required to provide additional studies on opportunistic infections for improving diagnosis and the implementation of a national surveillance programme of fungal disease in the DRC.

Genotyping, antifungal susceptibility, enzymatic activity, and phenotypic variation in Candida albicans from esophageal candidiasis

Background

Esophageal candidiasis is the most frequent form of esophagitis. The pathogenicity of Candida spp. is related to a combination of microbial factors, hydrolytic enzyme secretion and phenotypic switching. This study was designed to investigate esophageal candidiasis, antifungal activity, enzymatic activity patterns, phenotyping, and genotyping profiles of Candida albicans species.

Methods

Nine hundred thirty‐three visited patients were evaluated, and esophageal biopsies from patients were included in this study during 2019–2020. Direct smear, Gram staining, and culture on CHROMagar were performed for each sample. Isolated species were identified with conventional procedures and PCR‐RFLP. Susceptibility to antifungals was determined according to CLSI guidelines. ABC typing, phenotype switching, hemolysin, proteinase, phospholipase, and esterase activity were also determined with the appropriate protocols.

Results

Twenty‐three (2.5%) patients (mean age 55.2 years) were diagnosed with esophageal candidiasis. The species isolated were 19(82.6%) C. albicans, 3(13.1%) C. glabrata, and 1(4.3%) C. tropicalis. Genotype A (57.9%) was the predominant type in C. albicans isolates. 50% of C. albicans isolates exhibited a white phenotype. A high level of phospholipase (47.4%), hemolysin (68.4%), and proteinase activity (36.8%) was observed in the C. albicans isolates. Only three C. glabrata isolates displayed non‐wild type susceptibility to voriconazole and itraconazole.

Conclusion

This study shows that C. albicans are still the most frequent isolates from patients with esophageal candidiasis. The predominance of genotype A, the white phenotype, and strong hemolysin activity may indicate a high prevalence of pathogenicity in these isolates. Sensitivity to antifungal drugs was greatest for amphotericin and fluconazole.

Clinical Characteristics and Manifestations of Fungal Esophagitis: A Single-Center Experience in South China

Fungal esophagitis is a common infectious disease, although the pathogenic clinical characteristics remain incompletely clear, especially in South China. The goal of this study was to investigate the pathogenic clinical characteristics of fungal esophagitis and the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies at a tertiary hospital in South China. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2007 to December 2017. Data from 113,390 patients who were treated in the endoscopic unit were retrieved and analyzed. To further understand the pathogen and risk factors for fungal esophagitis, we performed a case-control analysis of 101 patients and 202 controls. Of the 113,390 patients, 932 (0.82%) were positive. The annual detection rate ranged from 0.345% to 1.106%, showing an initially increasing and subsequently decreasing trend. The patients' median age was 49 years (range from 8 to 85), and most were men (615/932, 65.99%). Candida albicans was found in samples collected from 36 patients, without any drug-resistant strains. Age (P = 0.018), malignancy (OR = 4.031, 95% CI: 1.562~10.407), cigarette smoking (OR = 3.017, 95% CI: 1.645~5.533), and the use of antibiotics (OR = 2.178, 95% CI: 1.078~4.400) or immunosuppressants (OR = 6.525, 95% CI: 1.089~39.105) were independently associated with esophageal candidiasis. Fluconazole had a better curative effect than nystatin (OR = 4.047, 95% CI: 1.282~12.772) or simple observation (OR = 8.91, 95% CI: 2.61~30.49). In conclusion, fungal esophagitis primarily affects men and elderly individuals; it develops in the setting of malignancy, smoking, and certain previous medication use. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen and is sensitive to antifungal agents. Fluconazole has a good therapeutic effect.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida species isolated from gastroesophageal candidiasis

AIM

The current study aimed to determine the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolated from gastroesophageal lesions.

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal candidiasis is a common infection among HIV/AIDS patients and those who are taking PPI and H2RAs drugs. More than 20 Candida spp. can cause different types of mucocutaneous infections in humans. The present study was conducted to assess the antifungal susceptibility testing of clinical Candida spp. isolated from gastroesophageal lesions.

METHODS

Forty-eight clinical samples were collected from 60 patients undergoing endoscopy. All isolates were identified by molecular techniques (PCR-RFLP). The profiles of the susceptibility of Candida spp. to seven antifungal agents, i.e. amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, luliconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin, were evaluated using broth microdilution.

RESULTS

The susceptibility profile of Candida isolates revealed 100% sensitivity to amphotericin B, caspofungin, and voriconazole. Moreover, fluconazole- (6.5%) and itraconazole-resistant (2.1%) isolates were observed.

CONCLUSION

With regard to the increase in fluconazole-resistant Candida species, it is necessary to determine the in vitro antifungal susceptibility pattern of clinical isolates for the best management of infection and to prevent the emergence of drug resistant isolates.

Infectious Esophagitis in Romanian Children: From Etiology and Risk Factors to Clinical Characteristics and Endoscopic Features

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to provide information about prevalence, etiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics and endoscopic features of various types of infectious esophagitis in children.

METHODS

We performed a total of 520 upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopies in Pediatric Clinic II, Emergency Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca. Indications for endoscopy in our cohort were gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as dysphagia, heartburn, or appetite loss.

RESULTS

The prevalence of infectious esophagitis in the study population was 2.11% (11 patients). Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most frequent cause. Our data illustrates that herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced esophagitis is common in immunocompromised patients and should be systematically suspected in cases of severe dysphagia, heartburn, or hematemesis. In the present study, all cytomegalovirus (CMV) esophagitis patients were immunocompromised. Immunodeficiency (81.8%) and prolonged antibiotic therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics were by far the most important risk factors involved in the pathogenicity of the disease. Dysphagia, appetite loss, heartburn, epigastralgia, and hematemesis were the main clinical manifestations. Infectious esophagitis was associated with significant mortality. In four patients, endoscopy during life showed signs of infectious esophagitis; however, the precise etiology was only established post-mortem, in the pathological anatomy laboratory department. A risk factor involved in pathogenesis of post-mortem diagnosed infectious esophagitis is the DiGeorge syndrome for CMV and HSV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The study illustrates that infectious esophagitis should be considered in immunocompromised infants with prolonged antibiotic therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Candidiasis: Current Updates

Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most common type of infectious esophagitis. In the gastrointestinal tract, the esophagus is the second most susceptible to candida infection, only after the oropharynx. Immunocompromised patients are most at risk, including patients with HIV/AIDS, leukemia, diabetics, and those who are receiving corticosteroids, radiation, and chemotherapy. Another group includes those who used antibiotics frequently and those who have esophageal motility disorder (cardiac achalasia and scleroderma). Patients complained of pain on swallowing, difficulty swallowing, and pain behind the sternum. On physical examination, there is a plaque that often occurs together with oral thrush. Endoscopic examination is the best approach to diagnose this disease by directly observing the white mucosal plaque-like lesions and exudates adherent to the mucosa. These adherent lesions cannot be washed off with water from irrigation. This disease is confirmed histologically by taking the biopsy or brushings of yeast and pseudohyphae invading mucosal cells. The treatment is by systemic antifungal drugs given orally in a defined course. It is important to differentiate esophageal candidiasis from other forms of infectious esophagitis such as cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, medication-induced esophagitis, radiation-induced esophageal injury, and inflammatory conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis. Except for a few complications such as necrotizing esophageal candidiasis, fistula, and sepsis, the prognosis of esophageal candidiasis has been good.

[Rare inflammatory diseases of the esophagus]

Because of its high incidence gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is at the forefront of medical attention. On the other hand, vigilance for rare inflammatory diseases of the esophagus, such as herpes esophagitis, radiation-induced esophagitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, pseudodiverticulosis and Crohn's disease is low. Moreover, these entities are rarely distinguishable from GERD by clinical features alone. For all atypical and treatment refractory supposedly reflux diseases, the diagnosis should therefore be questioned and re-evaluated by endoscopy. When the macroscopic findings of esophagoscopy are ambiguous biopsies can be performed and histological examination then often leads to a definitive diagnosis. This is particularly important because the required treatment of rare forms of esophagitis often significantly differs from that of GERD.

Course of Esophageal Candidiasis and Outcomes of Patients at a Single Center

Candida infection in the gastrointestinal tract is most studied in immunocompromised patients. Patients without systemic immunodeficiency, however, may have esophageal candidiasis associated with antibiotic or steroid medication use, alcoholic consumption, diabetes mellitus, and esophageal stasis disorders such achalasia or scleroderma esophagus.^1-5 This population has not been well studied. We aim to describe demographics, risk factors, and relevant clinical outcomes for patients with Candida esophagitis with an emphasis in systemically immunocompetent 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.

Estimated Burden of Serious Fungal Diseases in Serbia

For the first time, we aimed to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections or diseases (SFD) and highlight national epidemiological features in Serbia. Data on population and underlining conditions were extracted from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, World Bank, the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, the World Health Organization, National reference laboratory for medical mycology, the national registries of Serbian professional societies, and relevant publications. The population structure/inhabitants in 2016 (not including the autonomous region Kosovo & Metohija) was 7,058,322; with 6,041,743 adults (85.6%). The populations at risk (total cases per year) were: HIV infected 2441; acute myeloid leukemia 212; stem cell transplantation 151; solid organ transplants 59; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 250,302; adult asthmatics 311,806; adult cystic fibrosis 65; pulmonary tuberculosis 898; lung cancer 7260; intensive care unit admissions 19,821; and renal support 520. Annual fungal disease cases estimated are: candidemia 518; invasive aspergillosis 619; Candida peritonitis 187; Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia 62; cryptococcosis 5; mucormycosis or fusariosis 23; severe asthma with fungal sensitization 10,393; allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 9094; chronic pulmonary aspergillosis 448, recurrent Candida vaginitis 135,303; oral candidiasis 208,489; esophageal candidiasis 173, fungal keratitis 70; tinea capitis 300; and onychomycosis 342,721. We expect that 156,825 people suffer from serious SFD each year (2221/100,000), and 409 dies annually. Additionally, the prevalence of superficial infections exceeds 1,008,995 cases (14,295/100,000). The first Rhinosporidium outbreak in Europe was associated with Serbian Silver Lake. The plant pathogen Fusarium seems to be emerging in Serbian pediatric haematooncology settings. Candida auris and endemic mycoses have not been observed to date. These general estimates provide a primer for further efforts to study fungal epidemiology in Serbia.

Possible Risk Factors for Candida Esophagitis in Immunocompetent Individuals

Background

Candida esophagitis (CE) is a condition typically diagnosed in patients who are immunocompromised. Risk factors leading to the development of CE in immunocompetent patients have not been entirely elucidated. This study set out to identify risk factors associated with the development of CE in immunocompetent patients.

Methods

This study was a single-center retrospective chart review. Patients diagnosed with CE confirmed by endoscopic biopsy or brushings at our hospital between 2007 and 2017 were reviewed. The medical histories, endoscopy reports and pathology results were noted. Abdominal pain, heartburn, dysphagia and odynophagia were the common indications for endoscopy. A total of 241 patients were identified as having been diagnosed with CE by endoscopic brushing or biopsy. Of these patients, 161 were excluded due to the presence of immunocompromising and 80 patients were included who had no underlying immunocompromising conditions.

Results

Eighty patients with CE satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 39.8 years old (95% CI: 34.9 - 44.7). The incidences in men and women were similar in this study (49% women and 51% men). Of these patients, 56 (70%) (95% CI: 59-80%; P < 0.005) were taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Fifteen patients (19%) had a previous upper endoscopy with evidence of reflux esophagitis, and they were all treated with PPIs and subsequently found to have CE on repeat upper endoscopy with a mean of 21.6 months of PPI treatment. There were 16 (20%) patients without any attributable risk factor and were completely healthy.

Conclusions

CE is an opportunistic infection typically seen in immunocompromised. We report incidence of CE in immunocompetent patients. In our cohort of immunocompetent patients, PPI use was the most common risk factor associated with the development of CE. This could be related to hypochlorhydria resulting from PPI use. However, the cause remains unclear in some patients.

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.

Infections from seven clinical trials of ixekizumab, an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Infections are associated with biological therapies in psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the incidence of infections in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with ixekizumab, an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody.

METHODS

Infections are summarized from an integrated database of seven controlled and uncontrolled ixekizumab psoriasis trials. Data are presented from placebo-controlled induction (weeks 0-12; UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3) and maintenance periods (weeks 12-60; UNCOVER-1 and UNCOVER-2), and all patients exposed to ixekizumab pooled from all seven trials. Comparisons with etanercept were made during the induction period of two trials (UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3). Incidence and exposure-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years (PYs) are reported.

RESULTS

Overall, 4209 patients were treated with ixekizumab (6480 PY). During induction (weeks 0-12), overall infection rates were higher in patients treated with ixekizumab (27%) vs. placebo (23%, P < 0·05); however, specific infection rates were comparable overall across treatment groups. IRs of infections did not increase with longer-term exposure. For all patients treated with ixekizumab (all seven trials), the incidence of serious infections was low (2%, IR 1·3). Candida infections, including eight cases of oesophageal candidiasis, were adequately managed with antifungal therapy, were noninvasive and did not lead to discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, infections occurred in a higher percentage of patients treated with ixekizumab vs. placebo during the first 12 weeks of treatment; however, specific infection rates were comparable overall across treatment groups. Incidences of serious infections were low and similar across treatment groups.

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.

A Polyclonal Antibody to NKX3.1 Identifies Fungal Organisms From the Esophagus

NKX3.1 is a transcription factor used to identify prostatic adenocarcinomas. We describe novel functionality for NKX3.1 compared with Grocott and periodic acid-Schiff-diastase (PASD) on esophageal biopsies. We identified esophageal biopsies on the basis of the search term "candida" from March 28, 2012 to December 27, 2013. Of 85 cases for which 3 stains were available and at least 1 stain was positive for fungus consistent with Candida, 83 cases stained as positive with NKX3.1, compared with 79 with PASD and 75 with Grocott. NKX3.1 was significantly superior to Grocott but not to PASD (P<0.05). NKX3.1 was significantly more efficacious in leading to a positive diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis compared with Grocott, resulting in a significantly higher number of positive fragments per slide as well as the number of organisms per fragment, but not PASD. NKX3.1 will be useful to add to the stain armamentarium for Candida and possibly other fungal organisms.

Cancer risk in patients with candidiasis: a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Candidiasis and certain types of cancer are related to immunocompromised status. This study aimed to evaluate whether Candida infection (CI) is associated with subsequent cancer risk in Taiwan.

METHODS

Data from the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan were used to evaluate the association between CI and cancer risk. The CI cohort comprised 34,829 patients. Each patient was randomly frequency matched with one person from the general population without CI on the basis of age, sex, year of index date of CI diagnosis, and other characteristics to generate the control group. We used Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis to estimate the effects of CI on subsequent cancer risk.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, patients with CI had a significantly higher risk of overall cancer (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.09-1.30). For subsite analysis, the risks of hematologic malignancy and head and neck, pancreatic, skin, and thyroid cancers were significantly higher in the CI group. Stratified analyses by sex, age, and follow-up time revealed different patterns.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that CI can significantly increase overall and some individual cancer risks, which is partially compatible with previous findings.

Serious fungal infections in Korea

Information on the incidence and prevalence of fungal infections is of critical value in public health policy. However, nationwide epidemiological data on fungal infections are scarce, due to a lack of surveillance and funding. The objective of this study was to estimate the disease burden of fungal infections in the Republic of Korea. An actuarial approach using a deterministic model was used for the estimation. Data on the number of populations at risk and the frequencies of fungal infections in those populations were obtained from national statistics reports and epidemiology papers. Approximately 1 million people were estimated to be affected by fungal infections every year. The burdens of candidemia (4.12 per 100,000), cryptococcal meningitis (0.09 per 100,000), and Pneumocystis pneumonia (0.51 per 100,000) in South Korea were estimated to be comparable to those in other countries. The prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (22.4 per 100,000) was markedly high, probably due to the high burden of tuberculosis in Korea. The low burdens of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (56.9 per 100,000) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (75.1 per 100,000) warrant further study. Oral candidiasis (539 per 100,000) was estimated to affect a much larger population than noted in previous studies. Our work provides valuable insight on the epidemiology of fungal infections; however, additional studies are needed.

Challenges to "Classic" Esophageal Candidiasis: Looks Are Usually Deceiving

Objectives

We undertook the first case control study of histologically confirmed esophageal candidiasis (EC).

Methods

A computer search from July 2012 through February 2015 identified 1,011 esophageal specimens, including 40 cases of EC and 20 controls.

Results

The EC incidence was 5.2%; it was associated with immunosuppression and endoscopic white plaques and breaks. Smoking was a predisposing factor, and alcohol was protective. EC had no unique symptoms, and 54% of endoscopic reports did not suspect EC. Important histologic clues included superficial and detached fragments of desquamated and hyper-pink parakeratosis, acute inflammation, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, dead keratinocytes, and bacterial overgrowth. Thirty percent had no neutrophilic infiltrate. Pseudohyphae were seen on H&E in 92.5% (n = 37/40). "Upfront" periodic acid-Schiff with diastase (PAS/D) on all esophageal specimens would have generated $68,333.49 in patient charges. Our targeted PAS/D strategy resulted in $13,044.87 in patient charges (cost saving = 80.9%, $55,288.62).

Conclusions

We describe the typical morphology of EC and recommend limiting PAS/D to cases where the organisms are not readily identifiable on H&E and with at least one of the following: (1) ulcer, (2) suspicious morphology, and/or (3) clinical impression of EC.

Burden of fungal infections in Qatar

Few estimates of fungal disease frequency have been attempted in the Middle East. We have estimated the burden of fungal infections in Qatar. The aim of the study was to compute and determine the burden of serious fungal infections, in an attempt to estimate fungal disease frequency, which has not previously been attempted in this country. Disease statistics were collected from the Microbiology laboratory database and from 2011 WHO statistics. The data are expressed per 100,000 populations. The reported cases of candidaemia rose to 288 with an estimated rate of 15.4/100,000. A real increase in the burden of candidaemia was found over that previously reported (12.9/100,000) for the years 2004-2009. Candida peritonitis was estimated in 8.02 cases/100,000 population. Recurrent (≥4 year(-1) ) vaginal infections affect at least 32,782 women with a rate of 3506/100,000 inhabitants. Severe asthma with fungal sensitisation affected 1486 people, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 1126 people and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis 176 people. Rhinosinusitis, mucormycosis and Fusarium infection occurred at rates of 2.31, 1.23, 1.86 cases/100,000 respectively. The estimated rate of invasive aspergillosis was very low (0.6/100,000). Low rates of Cryptococcus meningitis and Pneumocystis pneumonia are attributable to low HIV infection rates. In conclusion, fungal infections are increasingly reported, especially candidaemia. Surveillance and guidelines are needed to optimise care and management of common fungal infections. In addition, a fungal registry system needs development for surveillance.

Burden of fungal infections in Senegal

Senegal has a high rate of tuberculosis and a low HIV seropositivity rate and aspergilloma, life-threatening fungal infections, dermatophytosis and mycetoma have been reported in this study. All published epidemiology papers reporting fungal infection rates from Senegal were identified. Where no data existed, we used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in each to estimate national incidence or prevalence. The results show that tinea capitis is common being found in 25% of children, ~1.5 million. About 191,000 Senegalese women get recurrent vaginal thrush, ≥4 times annually. We estimate 685 incident cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) following TB and prevalence of 2160 cases. Asthma prevalence in adults varies from 3.2% to 8.2% (mean 5%); 9976 adults have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and 13,168 have severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS). Of the 59,000 estimated HIV-positive patients, 366 develop cryptococcal meningitis; 1149 develop Pneumocystis pneumonia and 1946 develop oesophageal candidiasis, in which oral candidiasis (53%) and dermatophytosis (16%) are common. Since 2008-2010, 113 cases of mycetoma were diagnosed. In conclusion, we estimate that 1,743,507 (12.5%) people in Senegal suffer from a fungal infection, excluding oral candidiasis, fungal keratitis, invasive candidiasis or aspergillosis. Diagnostic and treatment deficiencies should be rectified to allow epidemiological studies.

[A clinical study of fungal esophagitis in 13 patients with hematologic malignancies]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the clinical understanding of fungal esophagitis in patients with hematologic malignancies.

METHOD

The clinical data of a cohort of 279 patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent gastroscopy between 2012 and 2015 in the Endoscopy Center of Henan Tumor Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of fungal esophagitis in patients with heratologic malignancies.

RESULTS

13 of the 279 patients were diagnosed as fungal esophagitis (4.66% ). C. albicans was prevalent (12/13), and only 1 case was cryptococcus. All of the 13 patients had lymphatic systemic diseases (8 cases with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 1 with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, 2 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1 with multiple myeloma). 6 patients had gastrointestinal symptoms (3 cases with nausea and anorexia as well as the sentation of having a foreign body in pharyngeal, 2 cases with pain or a burning sensation behind the sternum, and 1 case having difficulty or pain when swallowing), while 7 patients had no obvious manifestations. 6 patients accepted fluconazole 400 mg/d for 2 weeks and achieved satisfactory results; Meanwhile 7 cases were given nystatin 1 million uint 3 times a day for 2 weeks, of which 6 cases responded well, and 1 case was not relieved until he was given fluconazole 400 mg/d for 1 week. Treatmentassociated adverse events included mildly elevated aminotransferase (1 case) and mild gastrointestinal adverse reaction (1 case).

CONCLUSION

The fungal esophagitis in patients with hematologic malignancies was not rare. Most of those patients had lymphatic systemic diseases and the main pathogen was candida albicans. The clinical manifestations of fungal esophagitis were quite atypical and about more than half of those patients had no gastrointestinal symptoms. Either fluconazole or nystatin was safe and effective treatment with slight adverse reactions.

The clinical course of asymptomatic esophageal candidiasis incidentally diagnosed in general health inspection

OBJECTIVE

Esophageal candidiasis mostly occurs in the immunocompromised host. However, it may also affect healthy people and is frequently asymptomatic. The clinical significance of asymptomatic esophageal candidiasis (AEC) is still unclear. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of AEC during health inspection and to identify its predisposing factors and clinical significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 49,497 subjects who underwent a health inspection that included upper endoscopy were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the subject's self-reporting questionnaires, medical records and endoscopic findings. We considered "long-term" follow-up to be >6 months with at least one more follow-up endoscopy.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy (0.4%) subjects were endoscopically diagnosed as esophageal candidiasis and 141 subjects were AEC. Multivariate analysis revealed that old age (≥60 years) was an independent risk factor for AEC (OR, 1.862, p = 0.005). The number of subjects with long-term follow-up was 79 (195.3 person-years). Among these, AEC of 64 subjects (81.0%) had disappeared on the follow-up endoscopy and was not recurrent. The other 15 subjects had AEC diagnosed more than once on the follow-up endoscopy, and 5 of them were spontaneously healed during the follow-up period. The remaining 10 subjects whose candidiasis was sustained up to the last endoscopy did not complain of symptoms during the follow-up period, and their endoscopic findings did not worsen.

CONCLUSIONS

AEC is rare and old age is the only risk factor. AEC does not require medical care because it is a self-limited disease.

Antifungal Treatment is Not Required for Immunocompetent Individuals With Asymptomatic Esophageal Candidiasis

Although esophageal candidiasis (EC) is an opportunistic infection, asymptomatic EC (AEC) is occasionally encountered in otherwise healthy individuals. This study evaluates the impact of antifungal treatment in immunocompetent individuals with AEC and investigates risk factors for persistent or recurrent EC. The authors identified patients with biopsy-proven AEC from the database of individuals receiving screening endoscopy (n = 99,255). After excluding patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, being positive for human immunodeficiency virus, receiving no follow-up endoscopy, or having no antifungal treatment data, a total of 142 patients were divided into remission and nonremission groups. Remission was defined when EC was not detectable on follow-up endoscopy. On baseline comparison, nonremission group was older (57.5 ± 10.3 versus 52.5 ± 10.5 years, P = 0.017) and more likely to have cardiovascular disease (12.9% versus 1.8%, P = 0.021) and history of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) (22.6% versus 4.5%, P = 0.004) and exhibited a lower triglyceride level (101.4 ± 37.4 versus 122.6 ± 79.6 mg/dL, P = 0.039) than remission group, whereas grade of EC and concomitant endoscopic findings did not differ between 2 groups. Antifungal treatment was also similarly performed between 2 groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that history of PTB is independently associated with nonremission (odds ratio 4.495, 95% confidence interval 1.023-19.762, P = 0.047). No patients demonstrated EC-related complications during a mean follow-up of 28.0 ± 12.0 months. In conclusion, our results suggested that antifungal treatment is not required for immunocompetent individuals with AEC and past history of PTB is an independent predictor for persistent or recurrent EC.

Long-Term Trends in Esophageal Candidiasis Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors with or without HIV Infection: Lessons from an Endoscopic Study of 80,219 Patients

Background

The prevalence of candida esophagitis (CE) might be changing in an era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among HIV-infected patients or today’s rapidly aging society among non-HIV-infected patients. However, few studies have investigated long-term CE trends, and CE risk factors have not been studied in a large sample, case-control study. This study aimed to determine long-term trends in CE prevalence and associated risk factors for patients with or without HIV infection.

Methods

Trends in CE prevalence were explored in a cohort of 80,219 patients who underwent endoscopy between 2002 and 2014. Risks for CE were examined among a subcohort of 6,011 patients. In risk analysis, we assessed lifestyles, infections, co-morbidities, immunosuppressants, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). All patients were tested for HIV, hepatitis B or C virus, and syphilis infection. For HIV-infected patients, sexual behavior, CD4 cell count, history of HAART were also assessed.

Results

CE prevalence was 1.7% (1,375/80,219) in all patients, 9.8% (156/1,595) in HIV-infected patients, and 1.6% (1,219/78,624) in non-HIV-infected patients. CE prevalence from 2002-2003 to 2012-2014 tended to increase in non-HIV-infected patients (0.6% to 2.5%; P<0.01) and decrease in HIV-infected patients (13.6% to 9.0%; P=0.097). Multivariate analysis revealed increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; p=0.007), HIV infection (OR, 4.92; p<0.001), and corticosteroid use (OR, 5.90; p<0.001) were significantly associated with CE, and smoking (OR, 1.32; p=0.085) and acetaminophen use (OR, 1.70; p=0.097) were marginally associated. No significant association was found with alcohol consumption, hepatitis B or C virus, syphilis, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, anticancer, or PPIs use. In HIV-infected patients, CD4 cell count <100/μL (OR, 4.83; p<0.001) and prior HAART (OR, 0.35; p=0.006) were independently associated with CE, but sexual behavior was not. Among corticosteroid users, CE was significantly associated with higher prednisone-equivalent dose (p=0.043 for trend test).

Conclusions

This large, endoscopy-based study demonstrated that CE prevalence increased in non-HIV-infected patients but decreased in HIV-infected patients over 13 years. Risk analysis revealed that increasing age, HIV infection, and corticosteroids use, particularly at higher doses, were independently associated with CE, but alcohol, other infections, diabetes, anticancer drugs, and PPIs use were not.

Anti-fungal resistance in candida isolated from oral and diaper rash candidiasis in neonates

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the sensitivity of Candida species isolated from oral candidiasis and diaper dermatitis infections in children. The children referring to private and public clinics in Ilam, Iran were exmined for oral candidiasis and diaper dermatitis. In this study, 248 oral candidiasis and diaper dermatitis samples were collected and cultured.Candida species were identified by using standard methods. Resistance and sensitivity to amphotericin B, nystatin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, and posaconazole were determined using the CLSI M44-A standard disk diffusion method. From the 248 studied samples, 149 were positive for Candida, among which the Candida albicans was the most prevalent (64.4%). The resistance of different Candida species to nystatin, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole were 4, 43, 34.2, 34.9, 21.5, 6, and 6.7%, respectively. No resistance to amphotericin B was observed. Considering rather low resistance to nystatin, this drug is the best choice for oral candidiasis and diaper dermatitis.

The potential of photodynamic therapy to treat esophageal candidiasis coexisting with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used in recent years to deal with fungal infections because of the prevalence of fungi resistance to drugs. However, PDT for gastrointestinal fungal infection has not been reported. This study was conducted to assess the potential of PDT to deal with esophageal candidiasis.

METHODS

Two male patients with histological evidence of esophageal candidiasis coexisting with esophageal cancer were included in this retrospective study. Both patients were treated with PDT. This treatment was repeated at least 1month after the initial PDT if the patient still had residual cancer or esophageal candidiasis. Short-term efficacy was evaluated on the basis of endoscopy and histology findings. Further follow-up data were obtained from endoscopy results or telephone conversation.

RESULTS

The esophageal candidiasis located 21-24cm and 25-28cm from the incisors of case 1 reached complete remission after one and two PDT sessions, respectively. The esophageal cancer coexisting with esophageal candidiasis located 21-24cm from the incisors reached complete remission after two PDT sessions. No recurrence was found at a 14-month follow-up. The esophageal cancer located 30-35cm from the incisors reached partial response after three PDT sessions. Both of the esophageal candidiasis and the coexisting esophageal cancer at 23-26cm from the incisors of case 2 reached complete remission and the esophageal cancer at 34-37cm from the incisors reached complete remission after one PDT session. No recurrence was found at a 24-month follow-up. There were no serious adverse events found in either of the two cases.

CONCLUSION

Results of this preliminary study indicate that PDT may be a potential method to deal with esophageal candidiasis.