AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF GASTROINTESTINAL CANDIDIASIS

Abstract

Intestinal absorption of arbutin (p-hydroxyphenyl-.beta.-glucoside), a non-metabolized analog of d-glucose and net flux of water out of the small intestinal lumen were decreased in vitro in rats fed with Candida albicans. In rats on a protein-deficient diet and fed C. albicans, there was net secretion of water. Sugar uptake and net water transport were impaired in infected animals in vivo. These abnormalities were present although there was no histological evidence of invasion of the small intestinal mucosa by C. albicans. C. albicans may have significant enteric pathogenicity which may be particularly important in malnutrition.