Incidence of fungi in the stools of non-specific Ulcerative Colitis preliminary report

Summary

We are presenting our findings in ulcerative colitis without making any claims that fungi are of etiologic importance in ulcerative colitis. However, we know of no studies along these lines and, therefore, consider the evidence of interest. Our ability to culture fungi in 87.5 per cent of the stools of “non-specific” ulcerative colitis as compared to 33.3 per cent of controls may be significant. The comparatively pure cultures of geotrichum grown in the stools of ulcerative colitis as compared with the few scant colonies grown from the stools of normals or from those with diarrhea due to other causes is also very significant. Apparently the presence of monilia albicans in the stools is of prognostic significance, denoting a malignant course and a possible fatality. At present, further clinical and experimental studies are being carried out to further elucidate the importance of fungi in ulcerative colitis.