Candidal infection of benign gastric ulcers in aged patients.

In seven elderly patients with benign gastric ulcer, numerous spores and mycelia of Candida were found in the inflammatory exudate and in the base of the ulcer. All patients were treated with cimetidine and antacids. In five patients the ulcer failed to heal. Cimetidine was replaced with mycostatin and after four weeks of treatment, the ulcers healed completely in four patients. It is assumed that in the elderly, due to the weakening of the host defense mechanisms, Candida may invade the base of the ulcer and disturb the normal process of healing.