Candidal infection of gastric ulcers. Histology, incidence, and clinical significance.

Fungal organisms morphologically resembling Candida were found in one third of 72 consecutive surgically resected gastric ulcers. In over half of these cases the organisms were present in the mycelial form. Large numbers of fungi forming clusters were found in 13 cases (18%) and were associated with a surprisingly high postoperative mortality, (38.5%). These organisms are most likely one manifestation of debility in otherwise poor-risk patients rather than a cause of the high morbidity and mortality in these patients. Although organisms of the Candida group are probably not directly etiologic in the development of gastric ulcers, it is possible that their presence aggravates and perpetuates gastric ulceration.