[Fungi in the intestine--normal flora or pathogens?].

Candida spp. und C. albicans are common within the microbial ecosystem of the human orointestinal tract. Candida in low quantities is found at various sites in healthy subjects. In patients with typical risk factors, mainly in immunocompromised hosts, an increased growth of Candida occurs. In cases with multiple sites colonised there will be an increased risk of severe Candida infections. The metabolic activity of Candida in the gut is very low under anaerobic condition and limitation of nutrients.