Zakażenia grzybami drożdżopodobnymi z rodzaju Candida u dzieci z nieswoistym zapaleniem jelit

The increasing rate of Candida spp. infections in pediatric patients has became a serious problem. Candidiases of the skin and mucus membranes are the most common dermatoses. The risk of Candida spp. infection is much higher in children suffering from chronic or severe diseases, treated with antibiotics, steroids or immunosuppressive drugs. Children suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) are at high risk of Candida spp. infection. Even though Candida spp. is not considered to be a part of the gut microflora, the gastrointestinal tract is a natural habitat for this commensal microorganism. Factors such as immune system efficiency and the clinical status of a child are considered to be relevant in susceptibility to superficial or severe systemic infections. Severe, life-threatening candidaemia is more likely in persons with Candida spp. colonization. Chronic or repetitive use of wide-spectrum antibiotics is a major risk factor in Candida spp. colonization. In children with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), oral candidosis is more frequent than aftous ulcers in the oral cavity, which are considered to be a typical symptom of Crohn's disease. Dysbiosis in the gut microflora - apart from its genetic background-is considered to be the major factor in the development of IBD. Candida albicans is responsible for nearly 90% of all Candida spp. infections. Recently, a lower frequency of infections caused by Candida albicans has been observed in comparison with other Candida spp. Probiotics can favorably affect the mucus membranes of the intestines by minimizing the risk of dysbiosis, systemic candidaemia and the progression of inflammatory processes.