Fecal Yeast Research Articles

Possible role of intestinal fungal dysbiosis in dectin-1 and cytokines expression in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Dysregulation of cytokines and intestinal mycobiome has been surveyed in the progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). On the other hand, the intestinal fungal flora and its main receptor, Dectin-1, induce immune-derived cytokines. Total 64 individuals comprising 32 patients with UC (case group) and 32 healthy subjects (HS group) were assessed. The type and prevalence of fecal yeast species were determined by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification usingITS4 and ITS5 primers. Furthermore, the ribonucleic acid (RNAs) of IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22 and IFN-γ were extracted. The expression of Dectin-1 gene was then measured in the excised tissue samples. A higher global fungal load in UC-affectedpatients (75%) was found in comparison with the HS group (25%), especially Candida albicans. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was significantly reduced in the fecal samples of UC-affected patients compared to HS (15.04% vs. 1.93% UC). The expression level of Dectin-1 was significantly elevated in patients with active UC (7.37 ± 0.81) than in patients with non-active UC (5.01 ± 77.25) and healthy controls (0.97 ± 0.24) (p < 0.05). The expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, especially both IL-17 and IL-22, were higher in the active UC group compared to the HS group (p = 0.0101, p = 0.0155, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Similar expression level of IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22 (p > 0.999) and lower expression of interferongamma (IFN-γ) (p = 0.0021) were found in the non-active UC group compared to the HS group. A significant weak to moderate correlation was detected between Dectin-1 and IL-17 (r = 0.339, p = 0.019), as well as Dectin-1 and IL-22 (r = 0.373, p = 0.015). Furthermore, the expression levels of Dectin-1, IL-17 and IL-22 displayed significant associations with disease activity (p < 0.001, p = 0.029 and p = 0.003, respectively), regardless of the participant group. The current study revealed a possible role for intestinal fungi to promote colonic inflammation and increase UC activity through Dectin-1 stimulation. A positive correlation was detected between intestinal fungal richness with UC susceptibility and activity. IL-4 and IL-10 were associated with disease activity. Besides, the expression levels of Dectin-1, IL-17 and IL-22 were independently associated with disease activity.

Intracellular presence and genetic relationship of Helicobacter pylori within neonates' fecal yeasts and their mothers' vaginal yeasts.

Helicobacter pylori are transmissible from person to person and among family members. Mother-to-child transmission is the main intrafamilial route of H. pylori transmission. However, how it transmits from mother to child is still being determined. Vaginal yeast often transmits to neonates during delivery. Therefore, H. pylori hosted in yeast might follow the same transmission route. This study aimed to detect intracellular H. pylori in vaginal and fecal yeasts isolates and explore the role of yeast in H. pylori transmission. Yeast was isolated from the mothers' vaginal discharge and neonates' feces and identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. H. pylori 16S rRNA and antigen were detected in yeast isolates by polymerase chain reaction and direct immunofluorescence assay. Genetic relationships of Candida strains isolated from seven mothers and their corresponding neonates were determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting and ITS alignment. The Candida isolates from four mother-neonate pairs had identical RAPD patterns and highly homologous ITS sequences. The current study showed H. pylori could be sheltered within yeast colonizing the vagina, and fecal yeast from neonates is genetically related to the vaginal yeast from their mothers. Thus, vaginal yeast presents a potential reservoir of H. pylori and plays a vital role in the transmission from mother to neonate.

S10.3d Yeast Microbiome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

S10.3 The mycobiome characterization: future perspectives or just a trend?, September 24, 2022, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PMObjectiveThe intestinal microbiota plays major roles in host-protective functions and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Although some data suggest a role of the yeast microbiota in IBD pathogenesis, the available data are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fecal yeast microbiota in patients with IBD.MethodsFungal isolates of the fecal microbiota of 120 patients with IBD and 30 healthy control individuals were determined using conventional and molecular (ITS sequencing and RFLP) methods.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 37.4 ± 12.2 years (range 15-72 years). Of 120 patients included, 67 had ulcerative colitis (55.8%) and 53 had Crohn's disease (44.2%). Ulcerative colitis was more prevalent in women than Crohn's disease (61.7% vs 50.2%, P <.005). The median time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 9.58 ± 8.56 years. In total, 73 colonies of Candida spp. were isolated from 60 patients with IBD. The most common identified species of Candida were C. albicans (42.4%), C. glabrata (20.5%), and C. krusei (6.8%). The incidence of non-albicans Candida species (57.6%) was higher than C. albicans (42.4%). We observed an increased proportion of C. albicans compared with healthy individuals (28.5% vs 21.6%). The frequencies of C. glabrata were significantly higher among IBD patients rather than the control group (20.5% vs 9.8%).Conclusion Candida albicans were found to be increased in abundance in the IBD samples. These data emphasize the potential importance of yeast microbiota signatures as biomarkers. Moreover, we unravel here disease-specific-Candida species network alterations in IBD, suggesting that, Candida species might play a role in IBD pathogenesis.

Association of LRRK2 rs11564258 single nucleotide polymorphisms with type and extent of gastrointestinal mycobiome in ulcerative colitis: a case\u2013control study

BackgroundRecently, the role of endogenous microbiota and the genotype-microbiota correlation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis have been highlighted. However, fungi, as the second most prevalent residents of the intestine, and their primary receptor, Dectin-1, are underrated. Thus, we conducted the first human study investigating the association of Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) polymorphism (rs11564258) with type and the extent of intestinal fungi in IBD patients.Material and methodsA case–control study was performed on 79 ulcerative colitis (UC)-patients (case group) and 58 healthy subjects (HS group). DNA was extracted from blood samples of both groups and amplified with the primers designed for the specific locus containing the LRRK2 polymorphism (rs11564258) and then sequenced. Dectin-1 and LRRK2 mRNA expression levels were also determined. Furthermore, the type and prevalence of fecal yeast species were surveyed in case and control groups.ResultsA positive correlation was observed between rs11564258 polymorphism and UC susceptibility (p = 0.008 vs. HS). Patients with active UC had the highest rate of isolated fungal colonies (50.41%), followed by patients with non-active UC (24.6%) and HS (25%). These results showed a relationship between UC severity with the increased fungal load. Candida albicans had the highest prevalence in both UC (78.7%) and HS groups (55.8%). Whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the second most common species detected in HS (15.23%), it was significantly reduced in the UC patient group (1.68%) (P = 0.0001). On the other hand, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs11564258) was not correlated with the increased fungal flora in the UC patients. The expression of LRRK2 and Dectin-1 mRNA detected in blood samples was notably higher in the UC patients (P < 0.01) than in the HS group, without being affected by rs11564258 polymorphism.ConclusionsHere, we disclosed that LRRK2 mediates Dectin-1 signaling pathway activation and subsequent inflammation in the UC patients without being affected by the presence of SNP rs11564258. Our data showed an increased global fungal load in the UC patients along with elevated UC susceptibility in cases carrying rs11564258 polymorphism. However, more clinical investigations, particularly in larger populations with different ethnic groups, are required to support this conclusion.

Effect of yeast supplementation on digestibility, fecal microbiota and serum endotoxin levels in non-exercising and exercising horses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect dietary supplementation of live yeast Saccharomyces cervisiae NCYC 996 (SC) on digestibility, fecal microbiota and volatile fatty acids (VFA) and serum endotoxin levels in non-exercising and exercising horses. Ten Arabian geldings were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design [10 horses, 2 treatments (with and without SC) and 2 periods (with and without exercise). The SC culture (7.5g/meal; 1.5 × 1010cfu/g) was given as a top-dressing. There was no effect of yeast supplementation on digestibility. Fecal yeast and bacterial counts, VFA and serum endotoxin levels were unaffected by yeast supplementation and exercise.

Dietary Effect of Artificial Zeolite on Performance, Immunity, Faecal Microflora Concentration and Noxious Gas Emissions in Pigs

A total of 48 crossbred (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc) pigs (2 months old; 28.38±2.62 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to either a control (basal diet) or 0.5% artificial zeolite (AZ) [basal diet + 0.5% AZ, dry matter (DM) basis] dietary treatment group in a completely randomized block design. Growth performance, immunity, muscle composition, carcass quality, faecal microflora concentration and noxious gas emissions were then investigated. No significant variation was observed in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) or gain:feed [kg gain/kg dry matter intake (DMI)] ratio between treatments. The IgM and IgA levels remained unchanged, whereas the IgG level increased in the AZ dietary group relative to the control (P<0.05). Carcass quality, muscle composition and cholesterol level were also unaffected by AZ supplementation (P>0.05). Although AZ had no significant effect on fecal yeast and Lactobacillus spp. concentrations, a significant reduction was observed for Bacillus spp. in growing and E. coli both in growing and finishing pigs (P<0.05). Additionally, AZ supplementation led to a reduction in faecal ammonia (NH3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gases relative to the control (P<0.05). Based on these results, AZ had positive effects on faecal E. coli concentration and noxious gas emissions; however, further study with different levels of AZ to better understand its effects on growth performance of grower to finisher pigs is warranted.

Study of fungal isolates in patients with chronic diarrhea at a tertiary care hospital in north India

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of isolation and antifungal susceptibility profile of various opportunistic yeasts in faeces of patients with chronic diarrhea. The study included 120 patients who received the consultation and treatment for the complaints of chronic diarrhea for a period of more than 15 days. The microscopy of samples of stool was followed by the culture on Sabourauds-dextrose agar. Isolate were tried for their sensitivity to fluconazole, flucytosine, amphotericin B and voriconazole. The significant growth of fungal organism was seen in 32 (26.7%) stool specimen. These fungal isolates include five (15.6%) of C. albicans, 14 (43.8%) of C. tropicalis, five (15.6%) of C. krusei, two (6.3%) of C. famata, two (6.3%) of C. parapsilosis isolates and one isolate each of C. lusitaniae, C. guilliermondii, Stephanoascus ciferri and Trichosporon asahii (3.1% each). Most of the yeast isolates (65.6%) were found to be sensitive to all four antifungal agents i.e., fluconazole, flucytosine, amphotericin B and voriconazole. The highest resistance was seen against fluconazole in 10 (31.3%) isolates followed by flucytosine in eight (25%) isolates. No resistance to voriconazole was observed in any of the isolates. The resistance to the antifungal agents was higher among the other species of Candida compared to C. albicans. The study could establish the relation between the opportunistic yeasts and chronic diarrhea and gives information on the antifungal sensitivity profile of the isolated yeasts.

Multidrug resistant yeasts in synanthropic wild birds

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the presence of multidrug resistant yeasts in the faeces of synanthropic wild birds from the Bangsar suburb of Kuala Lumpur.MethodsSpecies characterisations of yeast isolates and determinations of antimycotic susceptibility profiles were undertaken using the commercial characterization kit, Integral System Yeasts Plus (Liofilchem, Italy).ResultsFourteen species of yeasts were detected in the bird faecal samples.Candida albicans was present in 28.89% of bird faecal samples, Candida krusei (13.33%), Candida tropicalis (4.44%), Candida glabrata (4.44%), Candida parapsilosis (2.22%), Candida lambica (2.22%), Candida stellatoidea (2.22%), Candida rugosa (2.22%) and Candida lusitaniae (2.22%). Amongst the non-candidal yeast isolates, Cryptococcus laurentii was present in 6.67% of bird faecal samples, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus (4.44%), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (4.44%), Trichosporon pullulans (2.22%), Trichosporon pullulans/Cryptococcus albidus (8.89%) and Rhodotorula rubra/Rhodotorula glutinis (4.44%). Of the isolated yeasts, 18.1% (or 26/144) were found to be resistant to all 11 antimycotic agents they were tested against i.e. Nystatin, Amphotericin B, Flucytosine, Econazole, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Fluconazole 16 and Fluconazole 64. 45.8% (or 66/144) of the bird faecal yeast isolates were resistant to four or more of the 11 antimycotic agents they were tested against.ConclusionsThis finding is of public health significance as these synanthropic wild birds may be reservoirs for transmission of drug resistant yeast infections to humans.

The intestinal microbiota and probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a poorly understood gastrointestinal condition affecting approximately onefifth of the UK population, with a higher prevalence in women and accounting for up to half of referrals to gastroenterology clinics in the UK. It is characterized by abdominal pain, excessive flatus, variable bowel habit and abdominal bloating with no evidence of organic disease. IBS commonly occurs after gastroenteritis or following a course of antibiotics. Suggested aetiologies include motility and psychological disorders and psychophysiological phenomena, although there is also evidence that disruption to the intestinal microbiota can play a role in IBS. Episodes such as hysterectomy, first incidence of bacterial gastroenteritis or a course of antibiotics have been shown to contribute to symptoms compatible with those of IBS. The intestinal microflora in IBS has been shown to differ from that of healthy individuals. Faecal microfloras of IBS patients har bour higher numbers of facultative organisms, such as Klebsiella spp. and enterococci, and low numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The role of probiotics in IBS has not been clearly defined. Some studies have shown improvements in pain and flatulence in response to probiotic supplementation, while others have shown no symptomatic or objective improvements. Administration of probiotics reduced caecal and faecal yeast proliferation in IBS patients treated with antibiotics, suggesting that they prevent the disruption of the intestinal microbiota known to be associated with IBS. It is possible that the role of probiotics in the management of IBS will lie in prevention, rather than cure. Keywords: IBS; microflora; probiotics

Studies on the Yeast Flora in Patients Suffering from Psoriasis Capillitii or Seborrhoic Dermatitis of the Scalp

In 65 patients with scalp psoriasis or seborrhoic dermatitis of the scalp, stool specimens, tongue swabs and scalp scales were examined for yeasts. The stool specimens showed in 70.8% of the patient group massive and in 7.7% moderate yeast colonization. Yeasts were found in 47.7% of the tongue cultures and in 12.5% of the scalp scales. Candida albicans was the predominant pathogen in the faeces and on the tongue. In comparison with a control group, frequency of yeasts in faeces and on the tongue in patients with psoriasis capillitii and seborrhoic dermatitis of the scalp could be shown to be significantly higher.

Carriage of Candida species and C albicans biotypes in patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation for haematological disease.

Six hundred and seventy four yeast isolates obtained from routine microbiological screening of 153 patients with haematological disease were identified and Candida albicans isolates biotyped over nine months to determine longitudinal and cross sectional patterns of yeast colonisation. A yeast microflora persisted in many patients despite the routine prophylactic use of oral antifungal agents. Analysis of the yeast species isolated on a cross sectional basis showed that C albicans accounted for 65% of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity but only 45% of the faecal yeast flora. Longitudinal changes in yeast flora occurred significantly more often in faecal samples than in oral samples and significantly less often in sites colonised with C albicans than in sites colonised with other species. No associations were found between the yeasts isolated and the nature of antifungal prophylaxis used, or the extent of a patient's stay in hospital.

Dead fecal yeasts and chronic diarrhea.

The authors report 20 patients in whom a large number of dead or severely damaged yeast cells, supposedly Candida albicans yeasts, were the possible cause of chronic recurrent diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It is suggested that the presence of large numbers of these microorganisms in stools may be considered among the possible etiologies of diarrhea in the 'irritable bowel syndrome'. The possible source of these yeast-like cells, the causes of cell damage, and the mechanisms by which these organisms may induce diarrhea should be investigated.

Ethanol Intoxication in Calves Fed Certain Milk Replacers1,2

A condition is described in young calves which is caused by fermentation of dietary carbohydrate to ethanol and characterized by high plasma ethanol, depression, poor body coordination, anorexia, and an unusual odor of exhaled air. Incidence of the condition in one experiment was high when calves were fed rations containing glucose or gelatinized starch plus an amyloglucosidase. Plasma ethanol concentrations were correlated with fecal yeast counts (r = 0.76).No calves fed milk or milk with added lactose had high plasma ethanol, but the condition did occur when the diet was milk with added starch plus enzyme. Analyses of digesta from various parts of the gastrointestinal tracts of calves with high plasma ethanol indicated that the abomasum was probably the site of most active alcoholic fermentation. Ethanol administered either orally or into intestinal flstulae was rapidly absorbed.The condition was not observed in calves fed all-milk-product milk replacers, but moderate plasma ethanol levels were observed in a few calves fed milk replacers containing starch.