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. 2013 Jan 1;54(1):160-5.
doi: 10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.160.

Prevalence and risk factors of esophageal candidiasis in healthy individuals: a single center experience in Korea

Jae Hyeuk Choi  1 , Chang Geun Lee, Yun Jeong Lim, Hyoun Woo Kang, Chi Yeon Lim, Jong-Sun Choi
Affiliations

Prevalence and risk factors of esophageal candidiasis in healthy individuals: a single center experience in Korea

Jae Hyeuk Choi et al. Yonsei Med J. .

Abstract

Purpose: Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised host. However, we have found EC in healthy individuals through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 281 patients who had been incidentally diagnosed with EC. We also conducted age and sex matched case control study to identify the risk factor for EC.

Results: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125). The most common coexisting EGD finding was reflux esophagitis (49/281, 17.4%). An antifungal agent was prescribed in about half of EC, 139 cases (49.5%). Follow-up EGD was undertaken in 83 cases (29.5%) and 20 cases of candidiasis was persistently found. Case control study revealed EC were more often found in user of antibiotics (p=0.015), corticosteroids (p=0.002) and herb medication (p=0.006) as well as heavy drinking (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125) in Korea. Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and herb as well as heavy drinking were significant risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Esophageal candidiasis. (A) Endoscopic finding; multiple whitish plaques were identified. (B) Histopathologic finding; esophageal mucosa containing candida spores and pseudohyphae were noted (Grocott methenamine silver stain, ×400).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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