Mycobiome

Testing only one Candida species is characterized as clinically insufficient. A 2024 Cell Host & Microbe study is described as highlighting gut fungi, especially Candida species and virulence factors, in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The article says microbiome research has historically emphasized bacteria while underexamining fungi. Fungi and yeasts can crossreact antigenically, including Saccharomyces antibodies potentially driving anti-Candida crossreactivity. In dysbiosis, pathogenic bacteria and excessive Candida hyphae can damage gut barrier integrity. Biofilm communities can make pathogenic bacteria and Candida resistant to antibiotics and antifungals. In a healthy gut, Candida is described as remaining in yeast form with minimal hyphal development. Elevated Th17 with Candida antibodies and tissue crossreactivity is presented as evidence of active pathogenic Candida activity rather than harmless colonization.