Fungal colonization of the esophagus.

A prospective study was conducted in 224 patients to determine the clinical significance of esophageal colonization with yeasts under different conditions. In accordance with the results of direct smear microscopic examination and culture of esophageal brushings, patients were divided into three groups: positive, negative, and the patients, in whom saprophytic forms were detected. A higher prevalence of positive findings was noted in patients with predisposing factors for yeast invasion than in patients free of underlying disease. Eleven percent of patients with an endoscopically normal appearing esophagus were positive. We have the impression that this situation may represent a preclinical condition of fungal esophagitis. Patients treated with H2-blocking agents showed a significantly higher incidence of positive findings, than did those without such treatment. Whether patients suffering from a refluxesophagitis resistant to long-term treatment with H2 blockers, but with a significant colonization by yeasts, could benefit by an additional treatment with antimycotics remains a controversial issue and should be studied in a controlled way.