fungal gastritis

Fungal Gastritis: An Overview

Fungal gastritis, also known as fungal gastritis or gastritis caused by fungus, is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining due to a fungal infection [1]. This type of gastritis can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressant medications [5].

Causes and Risk Factors

Fungal gastritis may develop in people who have had a prolonged illness or an impaired immune system. The condition can also be caused by acute stress gastritis, which is triggered by sudden illness or injury [6]. Other risk factors include old age, malnutrition, diabetes, trauma, burns, surgery, total parenteral nutrition, and intra-abdominal infections [8].

Symptoms

The symptoms of fungal gastritis may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and internal organ infections. In severe cases, the condition can lead to emphysematous gastritis, a rare and potentially fatal condition characterized by gas within the gastric wall due to bacterial or fungal infection [15].

Treatment

Treatment for fungal gastritis typically involves antifungal agents and proton-pump inhibitors. However, there is limited information on the treatment of gastric candidiasis with these medications, highlighting the need for further research in this area [14].

Fungal gastritis, also known as Candida gastritis, can be diagnosed through various tests that help identify the presence of fungi in the stomach lining.

• Endoscopy: A flexible viewing tube (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to visually examine the esophagus and stomach. This procedure allows doctors to directly observe white mucosal plaque-like lesions and exudates, which are indicative of fungal gastritis [2].
• Stool sample analysis: A stool sample is taken to make cultures and assess the level of fungal growth. This test can help confirm the presence of Candida in the gut [9].
• Blood tests: While not directly diagnostic for fungal gastritis, blood tests may be used to check for other causes of gastritis or signs of complications.
• Breath test: A breath test may be recommended to determine whether you have H. pylori, which can contribute to gastritis.

It's essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of fungal gastritis requires the collection of a sample from your small intestine, known as a small bowel aspiration [5]. However, this procedure is not commonly used and is usually reserved for cases where other diagnostic methods are inconclusive.

References:

[2] - Endoscopic examination is the best approach to diagnose this disease by directly observing the white mucosal plaque-like lesions and exudates. [9] - To diagnose Candida gut infection, a stool sample is taken to make cultures and assess the level of fungal growth. [5] - Currently, the only way to definitively diagnose SIFO is to collect a sample of fluid from your small intestine. This is known as a small bowel aspiration.

Fungal gastritis can be effectively treated with antifungal medications, which help to eliminate the fungal infection from the stomach.

• Oral azoles, such as fluconazole at a dose of 100-400 mg/d or itraconazole at a dose of 200-600 mg/d, are commonly used to treat fungal gastritis [6].
• In severe cases, intravenous amphotericin B may be administered to help control the infection [8].
• Combination therapy with fluconazole and amphotericin B has also been shown to be effective in treating fungal gastritis [8].

It's essential to note that treatment should be tailored to the individual patient and may involve a combination of antifungal medications, as well as supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

References:

[6] Oral azoles are commonly used to treat fungal gastritis. [8] Combination therapy with fluconazole and amphotericin B has been shown to be effective in treating fungal gastritis.

Fungal Gastritis Differential Diagnosis

Fungal gastritis, also known as fungal infection of the stomach, can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for fungal gastritis includes:

• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system, which can cause multiple gastric ulcers [1].
• Viral or fungal gastritis: In debilitated or immunocompromised patients, viral or fungal infections such as cytomegalovirus, candidiasis, histoplasmosis, and others can cause gastritis [1].
• Other fungal infections: Aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and cryptococcosis are other types of fungal infections that can affect the stomach and be considered in the differential diagnosis [2-3].
• Gastric phycomycosis: A rare and lethal fungal infection caused by Phycomycetes fungi [3].

Key Considerations

When considering a diagnosis of fungal gastritis, it is essential to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. This includes:

• Lymphocytic gastritis: An inflammatory condition characterized by lymphocyte infiltration in the stomach lining [7].
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the stomach and be considered in the differential diagnosis [7].

Importance of Histopathological Evaluation

A correct diagnosis of fungal gastritis relies heavily on histopathological evaluation of endoscopic biopsies of the gastric mucosa. This is essential to rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of fungal infection [8-9].

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9