Chronic intestinal disease A fungus likely to trigger Crohn's disease

New knowledge could lead to new treatment options
Researchers found that a fungus could be the key factor in the development of Crohn's disease. This inflammatory bowel disease causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. The finding could lead to a new treatment for Chron's disease.

Researchers at the Center for Medical Mycology at Case Western Reserve and the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found in one study that a fungus (Candida tropicalis) could be the cause of Crohn's disease. In patients with Crohn's disease strong fungal-bacterial interactions could be detected. The doctors published their findings in the journal "MBIO".

Chronic intestinal disease can be a major burden on the lives of those affected. Crohn's disease is one of these diseases. Researchers now found that a fungus could be the cause of these problems. (Image: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com)

Study examines patients and their healthy family members
Researchers have been looking for a long time for new treatment options for chronic bowel disease. In the future, it could possibly be an effective treatment for the previously treatable inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's disease. A new study now looked at patients with Crohn's disease and their healthy family members. The researchers analyzed the fecal samples of the subjects for their investigation. A bacterial interaction with a certain fungus was found.

Intestines of sufferers contain higher amounts of bacteria and a fungus
Significantly higher levels of two bacterial species (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) and one fungus (Candida tropicalis) were found in subjects with Chron's disease, the experts explain. The scores were much higher than the healthy family members. This suggests that the bacteria and fungi interact in the intestines. This is the first time that a fungus has been linked to Chron's disease, the authors add.

Immune responses from Crohn's disease patients are abnormal
In addition to genetic and nutritional factors, bacteria can play a major role in the development of Crohn's disease. Patients with the disease show abnormal immune responses to these bacteria, explains lead author Mahmoud Ghannoum.

Study focuses on the study of fungi in the gut
Most researchers focus their studies on bacteria. Only a few physicians investigated the role of fungi, which are also present in every human intestine. The new study has now provided important information for the development of Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, this chronic bowel disease is often discovered late. The doctors hope that this could change in the future.

Leads the study to the development of new treatments and medicines?
The results could now lead to a new form of treatment, including new drugs and probiotics. These have the potential to make a qualitative difference in the lives of those affected, scientists say.

Candida tropicalis is the cause of Crohn's disease?
The fungus Candida tropicalis often causes infections and may be involved in the development of Crohn's disease. This fungus was found in higher amounts in the gut of patients with Crohn's disease, the researchers say.

The causes of Crohn's disease are still largely unknown
We understand how Crohn's disease develops, explain the authors. Nevertheless, the causes and much more are still unknown. The disease is usually treated with anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, immunomodulators and other medications. Among these, none is free of side effects, the researchers add. Here, we urgently need a better understanding of the disease and more effective treatments, according to the researchers. (As)