The Chronic Candidiasis Syndrome


Intestinal Candida, Mold Allergies,
and Their Relation to Chronic Illness

The information herein is copyright (c) by The OAM 1996-1999, all rights reserved. This document is intended for physician education and medical research. If you are a patient who suspects you may have candidiasis, please follow the link below to obtain a PHYSICIAN REFERRAL or consult your primary care physician.

Please respect the author: if you are doing research and you find this information helpful, please include a reference - thank you.

Please Note: This document will be undergoing intense revision in the next couple of months.
Please check back soon.
10/15/1999


Contents


Introduction

Candidiasis is an infection by Candida, a type of yeast. Although pathogenic strains of Candida share simialar characteristics with food yeasts, food yeasts do not carry the same pathogenicity and ability to strongly adhere to and colonize mucous membranes (Saltarelli). Systemic Candidiasis has been most noted in AIDS or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in which the body's ability to defend itself from pathogens is compromised. In these patients, Candida primarily originates from the gastrointestinal complement. Infants, diabetics, and individuals with various other immunological dysfunctions also provide a predisposition to Candidiasis.

In the case of Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome, also known as the Candida Related Complex, a proliferation of Candida in the intestines may be a factor in severe chronic health problems. The Chronic Candida Syndrome is characterized by a collection of diverse symptoms, and there are several schools of thought about contributing factors. Patients are often referred to a psychiatrist for their "neurotic condition" and the failure of modern science to find a physiological diagnosis. Routine blood tests usually don't reveal anything unusual. CHS has attracted an enormous amount of attention as being a cause or a factor in numerous health problems.

Because of the drastic visual symptoms in patients with systemic Candidiasis, the thought of Candidia as a pathogen that can afflict immunocompetent individuals has been somewhat ignored. Candidiasis, and especially intestinal Candida proliferation, has recently come to light as a pathogen that can strike immunocompetent individuals (those who have "normal" immune systems). It has been subject to much debate and lack of understanding, but has motivated new thinking and research. The etiology of the disorder is not fully understood, however thousanads of patients with chronic illnesses have been obtained relief of their symptoms or cured with antifungal and diet therapy (Cater-1, Cater-2,Crook-1,Crook-2,Truss-1,Resseger,Jenzer,Trowbridge, et al.). Despite published studies and clinical experiences, much of the medical community remains ignorant of Candida as a pathogen that can affect immunocompetent individuals. Medical students are still misinformed about the possible consequences of intestinal Candida in both the immunocompetent and immunocompromised.

Numerous factors are attributed to intestinal Candida proliferation. The primary and most accepted factor is the use of oral antibiotics (i.e. tetracycline). It is common knowledge that antibiotics, especially over a period of time and with repeated use, will eliminate a substantial complement of the normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract. The consequences of the elimination of bacteria that compete with other organisms for mucosal epithelial cellular receptor sites may be substantial. It is recognized by the medical community as a whole that as a result of the elimination of the defense mechanism that the normal flora provides, yeasts are allowed to grow excessively in the gut. They may also extend and proliferate in the skin with antibiotic use (Ross). In clearly immunosuppressed patients, Candida proliferation from antibiotic use often has extreme or fatal consequences.

The versataliy of Candida has been neglected. It has been considered that only those who are immunosuppressed are susceptible to Candida infections. However, It is known that women who are not immunosuppressed, develop vaginal yeast infections. The only method in which these are diagnosed are by visual signs. Unfortunately, there is no method besides surgical procedures to easily explore the small intestines. Indeed, there have been case reports of gastric candidiasis viewed by upper endoscopy in immunocompetent individuals (Nelson, Minoli). In addition, there has been further research demonstrating that Candida is responsible for and involved in many forms of psoriasis and other dermatosis (Skinner, Crook, James, Oranje, Buslau). There have also been numerous cases of non-immunosuppressed patients who have developed forms of candidiasis (Magnavita, Hussain, Widder, Crook, Kane, Schlossberg, Schwartz, Minoli, etc.). Again, the only reason these patients were diagnosed, was because of visual signs on the exposed mucous membranes or severe symptoms that required surgical procedures. Yeasts are dimorphic organisms. Under malnourished conditions, Candida can convert from its normal budding form to its mycelial form in which the cells are elongated and attached at the ends, allowing it to grow into different areas. Resistance to phagocytosis in its mycelial form is considered to be an important part in the pathogenicity of Candida.

Antibiotics deregulate the growth of yeasts in the intestines. Antibiotics may also allow various strains of bacteria resistant to the specific antibacterial drug to grow excessively, leading to bacterial overgrowth. Despite attention by the media, physicians still liberally prescribe oral antibiotics, even in cases where they are not necessary or will have no effect. The treatment of adolescent acne with such drugs as tetracycline has been implicated as one of the most important factors in the Chronic Candidiasis Syndrome.

The misunderstanding of the importance of Candida as an affliction of immunocompetent individuals may be the result of several rationalizations. First, physicians must learn and retain enormous amounts of information. Patients expect their physician to know everything, which is quite impossible given the massive amounts of published biological and medical literature. New and rare disorders can take months ot years to find or may never be diagnosed. Second, the immense use of antibiotics started in the early 80's, and only now is there a large enough population that has used a significant amount of antibiotics to realize possible side effects. Third, the true significance of the normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract has only recently been established. Previously, it was associated with old wives tales and sometimes frivolous naturopathic medicine. However with the introduction of antibiotics, diseases like AIDS especially, and the onset of systemic Candidiasis following antibiotic treatment, it can not be ignored. It is now considered an extremely important defense mechanism by leading microbiologists.

The use of steroids (cortisones), birth control pills, antacid and anti-ulcer medications (Tagament, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid) etc., in addition to antibiotics are also very important contributing factors since Candida proliferates rapidly in the presence of these substances (Crook, Saltarelli, Segal, Minoli, etc. - common knowledge). Modern day diets extremely high in sugars are also blamed for the condition and is quite reasonable given knowledge of microbiology. (Sugars are rapidly metabolized by fungi, esp. yeasts, and prevent the growth of bacteria). In fact, eliminating sugars from the diets of various individuals has been demonstrated to be of equal importance with antifungal therapy, although it certainly can not replace it. Candidiasis is a serious condition and must therefore be seriously considered and treated. Fungal infections of the skin epithelium are generally difficult to eliminate. The intestines, also composed of epithelium, provide a warm, moist, nutrient-rich, environment favorable to Candida growth, especially when provided the above conditions. Unfortunatley, some physicians do not have the time to think that because something can't be seen, doesn't mean it's not there.

Candida has also been suggested to play a part in creating what is called a "leaky gut," an unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability. Undigested macromolecule food particles and toxins are allowed to pass directly into the body creating a host of problems. This creates havoc with the immune system when these particles trigger an immune response sensitizing the individual to normally harmless molecules. When this happens, the individual is suggested to become "environmentally sensitive," responding to various harmless inhalants in the environment the person is exposed to as well as various foods. These reactions do not create typical allergic symptoms. Because of the strain on the immune system to break these undigested molecules down, the body's ability to defend against Candida may be further weakened, creating a cycle. These particles may also pass through the blood/brain barrier, be mistaken for neurotransmitters, and produce other mental symptoms that may create a misdiagnosis of neurotic disorder. Research is currently being done at the National Institute for Health to this end.

Candida has been found to produce 79 distinct toxins. These toxins have been shown to cause massive congestion of the conjunctivae (eyelid area), ears, and other parts of the body in rats (Iwata). It is these toxins that are also suggested to be responsible for many of the symptoms that Candida sufferers have as well as the "die off reaction." Certainly, there are other complex complicating factors that are unknown to us at this point which will require further research and funding to find.

Ecological factors of the gut are often overlooked due to lack of understanding of gastrointestinal immunity. Many physicians try to compare the immunology of the gastrointestinal tract to that of other organs and systems in the body including the circulatory system. They might recall being informed in medical school that candidiasis affects the severely immunosuppressed only and may fail to think beyond. As any competent physician should know, the immunology of the gastrointestinal tract functions separately as local immunity, the weakest of all immunological activity. Immunoglobulin G has practically no significance in gastrointestinal immunity and the activity of Immunoglobulin A (to help prevent binding to mucosal cells) is under question. "The lumen of the gastrointestinal tract is actually outside the body" and needs to be judged accordingly(Shorter, etc.). The primary defense mechanisms of the intestines are acidity and motility. Although obviously not entirely true today, but still with validity, E. Metchnikoff, in his book, The Nature of Man published in 1908 (Putnam) felt that toxins absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract were the cause of most of the problems aquired by humans. Because of the local immunity and the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, it is source of a vast number of human afflictions.

The average physician, when questioned about candidiasis, might look in a patient's mouth for signs of massive proliferation and/or just outright tell the patient they don't have it because there are no extreme visual signs. The doctor may also refer to a patient's complete blood count (on routine blood testing) telling the patient that they are not immunosuppressed, therefore could not possibly have candidiasis. These symptoms, however, are only demonstrative of the massive infections seen in AIDS and cancer patients where the immune system is suppressed and not localized intestinal Candida proliferation. In addition, the gastrointestinal immune response functions separately from the systemic immune response. The Chronic Candida Syndrome, despite much speculation, does not require a defective or depressed immune response to affect an individual. Rather, it is primarily a consequence of other favorable conditions.


The controversy over the existence of this disorder is due to several factors. The major argument against the elimination of normal flora causing yeast proliferation is the theory that eventually your intestinal compliment of normal flora will return after stopping antibiotics and yeast proliferation will "just go away." No conclusive studies have been performed demonstrating this. It has been shown that whatever organisms that has presently colonized an area of the GI tract will remain dominant in that area. The return of normal flora to areas of the GI tract does not necessarily mean that this has stopped the growth of other pathogens nor does it mean that Candida proliferation hasn't damaged the GI tract. When stool cultures report growth of normal flora, it does not mean that their is growth along your entire intestinal tract. It is also suggested that a healthy immune system will be able to overcome the proliferation. However, since it is shown that immunocompetent individuals can develop candidiasis, this is certainly not the case, especially since Candida is so versatile and given favorable conditions in the intestines. Candida even has a unique property in that it can produce "fungal balls" in its acute stage.

The second argument is that "yeast in the intestines is normal and harmless." The statement is that, "yeast can be recovered from the stool of healthy individuals." However no mention has been made of the effects of proliferated yeast in the intestines and what amount is normal. The colon is home to many pathogenic organisms in healthy individuals, including parasites in 5-10% of the population that physicians wouldn't dare say are harmless if proliferated (A.N.Y.A.S.). No conclusive studies have been performed demonstrating that intestinal yeast proliferation is harmless. In fact, studies have shown the exact opposite. As any woman who has had a vaginal yeast infection knows, it can certainly create quite a problem. It is preposterous to state that heavy growth of yeasts in the intestines, another mucous membrane, is meaningless. Anyone who has had diarrhea from antibiotics will certainly know this as well. Unlike in a woman's vagina, yeasts are provided a perfect environment with enough food and sugars to create rapid proliferation.

The contributing factor to the reluctance of the medical community as a whole to accept the syndrome is the lack of a absolute definitive scientific proof of the Candida/human interaction. There has also been an extreme lack of complete widely published case reports of those who have been cured with anti-yeast therapy. The treatment has preceeded some of the research, and its success in many individuals is proof in itself of the Candida/human interation. Furthermore, failure of doctors to request proper growth medium or request the use of a gram stain and direct microscopic observation to identify the presence of yeast in stool specimens has also contributed to a lack of diagnosis. In addition, many labs consider yeast a "normal flora" and do not report it unless it is specifically asked for. Other potentially hazardous bacteria are also part of the normal flora when not in excess, however parts of the medical community still choose to ignore yeast proliferation despite the facts.

Other reasons why there is reluctance to accept the syndrome may be:

  1. There is no definitive lab test capable of an absolute diagnosis.
  2. Widespread acceptance of the yeast syndrome will make many doctors who have misdiagnosed these patients appear ignorant.
  3. The enormous repercussions of the liberal use of antibiotics and the ignorance involved will certainly put many in the medical field at fault.
There are however many physicians who do not agree with the above. Doctors who have tried antifungal and diet therapy with their patients (maybe as a last resort) have seen their patients lives dramatically turn around in a matter of a few months or less and can no longer deny the existence of this problem. They enjoy the self-satisfaction of knowing they have made a difference in someone's life where others have failed. If your doctor is kind, compassionate, genuinely interested in medicine and helping people (the kind we would all like to have), perhaps he or she will be more open minded to the many areas of medicine that have not been fully explored. If you have been struggling with difficult symptoms or diseases of unknown origin listed below, perhaps your doctor will help you in a trial of therapy. Remember, however, it is ALWAYS important to keep an open mind to other possibilities.

Candidiasis and Allergies

The Candida syndrome has been thought to be a consequence of an allergy to Candida in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a series of allergy related symptoms and the continued presence of Candida in the intestines. It is significant in that a majority patients who were cured with antifungal drugs also have mold allergies. Hence, the term "Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome" was created.

Several studies have demonstrated the significance of IgE antibodies in the defense against Candida (Saltarelli). IgE antibodies are those primarily associated with allergies. It has been found that individuals with systemic candidiasis have an average of nearly a 2000% increase in IgE to Candida. In patients with vaginal candidiasis, and average of over a 1000% increase of IgE to Candida was seen.

These studies might suggest that

1. IgE antibody plays a significant role in defense against Candida.
2. Individuals lacking in IgE to Candida (perhaps due to allergies) may have a lower defensive ability against Candida.
3. Since IgE's in patients with candidiasis were also elevated to other antigens, this would suggest that candidiasis may increase allergic responsiveness.
4. The disruption in IgE production in patients with allergies might have a comprimised IgE response to Candida.


Samples of Published Medical Research


Candidiasis Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

presented by Dr. Carol Jessop at the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Conference, April 15, 1989.

This was a report of anti-Candida therapy on 1100 patients presenting symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritabel Bowel Syndrome, headaches, allergic disorders, emotional disturbances (depression, panica attacks, irritability, and anxiety), etc.

After 3 to 12 months of treatment with ketoconazol and a no sugar, no alcohol diet, a major reduction in symptoms was seen in 84% of the patients. "In September of 1987, 685 of the 1100 patients were on disability; in April of 1989, only 12 of the 1100 were on disability."


Candida Causes Diarrhea in the Normal, Immunocompetent Host

as published in The Lancet, February 14, 1976.

James G. Kane, Jane H. Chretien, and Vincent F. Garagusi of the Infectious Disease Service , Department of Medicine, Georgetown Universtiy Hospital, Washington, D.C. reported on six cases of chronic, persistent, diarrhea, sometimes associated with abdominal cramps, caused by Candida. Five of the individuals had no underlying condition and the symptoms lasted as long as three months until treatment was begun. Blood tests were unremarkable and they report that yeast in stools was best identified by direct microscopic observation. "Symptoms disappeared in 3 to 4 days of oral nystatin therapy."

It is interesting that after 20 years since the publication of this material, most physicians do not request yeast identification in stools, nor do many labs routinely report its presence or quantity unless specifically requested.

A comment from a 1988 report published in Digestion entitled Dead fecal yeasts and chronic diarrhea follows:

"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." (Caselli)

Candida has also been shown to cause severe diarrhea in debilitated elderly patients. Despite this, many physicians remain unaware while their patients suffer with diarrhea. (Gupta, Danna)


Intestinal Yeast Causes Psoriasis

as published in The Archives of Dermatology, Volume 120, April 1984:

Nancy Crutcher, M.D., E. William Rosenberg, M.D., Patricia W. Belew, PhD, Robert B. Skineer, Jr., M.D., N. Fred Eaglstein,D.O. of the University of Tenessee Center for the Health Sciences, 956 Court Ave. Room 3C13, Memphis, TN, and Sidney M. Baker, M.D. of New Have, Connecticut report on 4 cases of long term, bodily psoriasis (10-25 years) cured with oral nystatin within several months. Nystatin, a weak antifungal drug, primarily targets intestinal yeast.

As published in the Acta Derm Venereol in 1994:

Robert B. Skionner, Jr., E. William Rosenberg, and Patricia W. Noah report results of studies that demonstrate that psoriasis of the palms is frequently associated with Candida. 7 out of 9 patients were cured or substantially improved after treatment with anti-fungal drugs.

There have also been numerous other studies published that have correlated dermatological diseases with Candida of the skin and gastrointestinal tract (too numerous to list - see references below). One might think that the publication of such information would provoke nothing less than a revolution in medicine. However, obviously, this has not been the case. Some have considered the loss of profits from psoriasis patients as a factor.

It is also known that HIV infected patients have a high rate of seborrheic dermatitis. "There is an increasing contoversy about the significance of Pityrosporum in seborrheic dermatitis. On the other hand, recent clinical evidence and experimental data favor the role of intestinal candidiasis in seborrheic dermatits: a high quantity of Candida in the feces of the affected patients, elevated phospholipase activity of the Candida sp. with special pathogenic relevance for mucosal adhesion and fast and long-lasting regression of seborrheic dermatitis after vigorous therapy with oral nystatin. Similar findings have been recorded in the seborrheic forms of psoriasis." (Oranje)

An abstract about infantile seborrheic dermatits follows:

"Infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD), a disease occurring in the first months of life, is an erythromatosquamous skin disease of unknown origin. This article represents results of microbial studies in 20 patients with ISD. Isolation of Candida in high percentage may indicate a preliminary role of this micro-organism in the etiology of this disease. It is striking that this disease often starts after disturbing the microbial flora of the intestinal tract. Often ISD develops during the transition of breastfeeding to humanized cow milk." (3L)


The physician responsible for highly publicizing the Candida syndrome is Dr. William G. Crook, M.D. with the following two books:

You can obtain these from your local bookstore, library, or below.

It is important to note that many doctors, including Dr. Crook who have had the ambition to write about the yeast disorder are ecologists. Some of the information they present is "extremely far from acceptable." These books do not represent all the opinions of other doctors who acknowledge and know of the syndrome. They just represent the ideas of the doctors who have had the motivation to write about their findings. Most books about the Candida syndrome are written for the patient and do not include much in the line of the science behind the syndrome. One must turn to hard to obtain, but nevertheless existent case studies and research for scientific foundation. Many of the statements in these books about recovering patients only mention that "the patient felt much better" and do not mention concrete changes in symptoms. This may be an additional problem in the lack of widespread acceptance.

Dr. Crook, president of the International Health Foundation, has tried to report all the possibilities behind the syndrome, as well as information he collects from physicians and patients who have dealt with the Candida problem. It is important to note that his book does not carry all the information behind the syndrome and opinions may vary among the doctors treating it, as research in the syndrome is continuing.


Symptoms

as listed in Dr. Crook's books, The Yeast Connection and The Yeast Connection and the Woman:

Please note that these symptoms may seem vast and broad ranging. It is the presence of multiple symptoms and not a single symptom that may be an indicator of candidiasis. The following symptoms from Dr. Crook's book have gone beyond what research has commonly shown symptoms of candidiasis to be to provide a broader range of possibilities. Please note the references to medical studies and the list of most common symptoms of candidiasis following Dr. Crook's list if this information is not to be used for experimental purposes.

Other
More

Symptoms dominantly ascribed to intestinal Candida and symptoms published in research


Many patients with the Candida Syndrome begin to feel that minute chemicals are responsible for their problems. They may have unnecessarily began eliminating certain foods from their diet and be concerned about the water they drink because they feel it contributes to their problems.


Most recently, it has been suggested that the Chronic Candida Syndrome may play a part or be a cause of attention deficit and other psychological disorders in children. This especially includes those children who may have been placed on antibiotics for reasons such as chronic ear infections. (Recent evidence supports that some are viral and can not be helped by antibiotics!) Candida may truly be one of the most important pathogens today. Future research will certainly yield the facts behind the Candida mystery.
Unfortunately, many individuals with unexplainable medical problems, desperate to find a reason, read Dr. Crook's or Dr. Truss's books and give themselves a false diagnosis. Then, they remain convinced that Candida is the cause of their problems, despite outright failure of antifungal treatment. These individuals may hamper widespread acceptance. Care must be given to not overdiagnose or overly attribute the unexplainable to the Candida Syndrome.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of intestinal candidiasis is very difficult mainly due to the fact that small amounts yeast inhabit everyone's body and it is difficult to distinguish whether it is invasive or not. The presence of allergic symptoms in a patient along with a complete case history and a successful trial of antifungal and diet therapy is the most concrete evidence of the syndrome. While intestinal candidiasis is not limited to those with allergies, it is among these patients where the most success in treatment will be found. Finding an accurate diagnostic method is currently the focus of much research.

Possible means of lab diagnostic procedures are as follows:

Of course, it is important to rule out other common disorders that could lead to the symptoms mentioned above.

Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory offers the most comprehensive Candida analysis and has references to physicians that use thir services.

IDL - Immuno Diagnostic Laboratories also offer comprehensive and unique testing. A list of services they provide to physicians can be obtained by contacting them at:

10930 Bridge Street
San Leandro, CA 945777

Phone: 510-635-4555


Treatment

There are three goals in the treatment of Chronic Candidiasis Syndrome:

  1. Elimination of ingestion of molds in patients with allergies to molds.
  2. Destruction of yeast proliforation in the body.
  3. Reduction of the factors providing a favorable environment for the growth of yeasts.

The treatment regimen must be strictly adhered to for success.

  1. Prescription antifungal drugs
  2. Avoiding ingestion of molds for those with allergies to molds
  3. Allergies to molds are the most noted factor in Candidiasis Hypersesitivity Syndrome, and may be the predisposing factor. Molds ingested by mold sensitive individuals may be the underlying basis for the entire scope of symptoms. Symptoms of food allergies include diarrhea, hives, rashes, sinusitis, anxiety, etc. Mold sensitivity can be easily tested by an allergist with skin prick testing.

    While allergies to food yeasts may be possible although unlikely, it is easy to test one's self for. Some physicians and researchers have directed their patients to avoid all yeast and/or mold containing products. This is impractical and not always necessary.

    Common sense can be used when eliminating molds from one's diet. However, substantial experimenting will be necessary since it is difficult to determine the exact mold content of foods, and allergies to different species of molds may vary. It must be taken into consideration that just because molds can not be seen with the naked eye does not mean they have not proliferated. Baked goods that are prepared the same day they are consumed have a low probability of having a significant amount of mold growth. Please take note that this has lead to considerable confusion. Some people have considered themselves allergic to wheat, when it may be the mold present in breads, especially after several days. Others have determined that they are not allergic to wheat and may attribute their symptoms to other factors. However, they have not taken into consideration time for mold to grow.

    Cheese and other fermented products are a significant source of mold, many of which are manufactured from molds. Vinegar can be produced by fermentation or artificial oxidation. Cheap vinegar is likely produced by artificial oxidation. Wine is also be produced by fermentation, and can be produced by molds other than yeasts. However, the leftover mold proteins in these products may vary, and mold can not live or grow in an acidic environment. Jelly, peanut butter, dried fruits, etc. are also significant sources for mold. Pop has a preservative added to it to inhibit the growth of molds. Keeping soft foods such as crackers, chips, and cereal in the refrigerator or freezer before and especially after opening will inhibit mold growth.

  4. Antibiotic, hormone, and antacid/anti-ulcer medication avoidance
  5. Avoidance of antibiotics and cortisones (steroids) unless absolutely necessary. Antacids and anti-ulcer drugs have been shown to predispose Candida proliferation. Bacterial skin infections do not always require the use of oral antibiotics and you may try topical antibiotics if necessary. As a note, 80% of throat infections are viral and do not require antibiotics.

    Candida overgrowth is frequently associated with the growth of various other pathogens that may require antibiotic treatment. Of course, MIC's should be performed to determine the most effective antibacterial.


    Other suggested aids in treatment