Fungal Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Andrew Chao; Jose A Vazquez

doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.009

Fungal Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021 Jun;50(2):243-260. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.009. Epub 2021 Apr 23.

Authors

Andrew Chao¹, Jose A Vazquez²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
² Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. Electronic address: jvazquez@augusta.edu.

PMID: 34024440
DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.009

Abstract

The thinking about fungi has evolved from unusual agents considered contaminants and colonizers to actual pathogens. Fungi are ubiquitous in nature and are found throughout in association with food, soil, mammals, and insects. Fungi have become important pathogens in animals and humans causing infections extending from superficial disease to disseminated infection. Because the gastrointestinal tract is continually exposed to fungi, it is frequently colonized and infected by numerous yeast and other fungi. It is also the origin of many disseminated fungal infections. The increased incidence of fungal infections has led to the approval and use of novel antifungals.

Keywords: Endemic mycosis; Enterocolitis; Fungus; Gastrointestinal tract; Infection; Mold; Yeast.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Fungi
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Mycoses* / diagnosis
Mycoses* / drug therapy