title: Candida albicans colonization on an intragastric balloon.
abstract: Here we present the case of Candida albicans colonization on an intragastric balloon placed for weight loss. A 52-year-old obese woman achieved a BMI reduction of 10.9 kg/m(2) within 7 months as a result of a BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon and a well-balanced, low-calorie diet. During endoscopy for balloon removal, the balloon, which was well impacted in the gastric fundus, was found to be lime green in color with clusters of cone-shaped cultures on its surface. Microbiology assessment revealed the presence of Candida albicans, although the patient was totally asymptomatic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Aristotle's University of Thessaloniki, Agiou Dimitriou 45 str, Thessaloniki, Greece. kakothe@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Katerina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kotzampassi
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Vasilaki
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stefanidou
authors.forename: Vasilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Grosomanidis
mesh_terms: D002176:Candida albicans / Q000502:physiology*; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D015905:Gastric Balloon / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Candidiasis; intragastric balloon; obesity