Effect of fungal colonization of gastric mucosa on the course of gastric ulcers healing.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fungal colonization on the course of gastric ulcer disease with particular regard to regression of clinical symptoms and reduction in ulcer niche size.


METHODS
The study was performed on the group of 293 patients, aged 20-80, with clinical symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, who attended Gastroenterology Outpatient Department of Collegium Medicum of Kraków Jagiellonian University. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract was performed before and following a-4-week period of a standard anti-ulcerous treatment. During the examination aspirate of the stomach contents and surface brushing were collected. Moreover, biopsy specimens from the bottom of the ulcer or inflamed gastric mucosa were taken for mycological and histopathological examinations. According to contemporary recommendations eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori was introduced in urease-positive patients with endoscopy-proved gastric ulcer.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our research showed that fungal colonization of gastric ulcers impairs the course of ulcer healing. Moreover, it results in clinical symptoms maintenance as compared with ulcers with non-significant fungal cells count.
Zwolińska-Wcisło
M
M
Department of Gastroenterology of Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, ul. Sniadeckich 10, Cracow, Poland.
Budak
A
A
Bogdał
J
J
Trojanowska
D
D
Stachura
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014945:Wound Healing