Millions of severe asthma sufferers are searching for answers, often unaware that airway mycosis—a hidden fungal infection—could be the underlying cause of their chronic respiratory problems. February 5-6, 2025 the World Asthma Foundation is hosting a groundbreaking symposium to explore this critical issue, bringing together experts to shed light on the latest research and treatment strategies.
David B. Corry, MD. Medicine-Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine
The World Asthma Foundation (WAF), in collaboration with Dr. David Corry, a renowned airway mycosis and severe Asthma specialist at Baylor University, is committed to raising awareness about this critical issue and the underlying mechanisms of severe asthma.
To address this knowledge gap and improve patient outcomes, WAF is hosting an online symposium February 5-6, 2025. This blog post lays the groundwork for the event, which will bring together experts to discuss diagnosing and managing airway mycosis in severe Asthma patients.
By fostering collaboration, the symposium aims to unveil the hidden mechanisms of fungal asthma, including the root fungal cause and empower better understanding and treatment options for patients with severe asthma.
Burden of Airway Mycosis
Misdiagnosis and Underdiagnosis: Airway mycosis often mimics other respiratory illnesses and is difficult to diagnose using standard methods, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This can worsen symptoms and hinder overall patient outcomes.
Chronic Illness and Suffering: Airway mycosis can cause debilitating symptoms like chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It significantly reduces patients’ quality of life.
Economic Costs: The economic burden of airway mycosis is substantial. Direct medical costs associated with treatment and hospitalization are high. Additionally, indirect costs due to lost productivity are significant.
Challenges and Gaps in Knowledge
Incomplete Understanding of Causes: Dr. Corry’s research emphasizes the need for further investigation into the exact mechanisms by which fungi contribute to airway diseases. The complex interplay between fungal exposure, immune response, and airway inflammation remains unclear.
Mechanisms of fungal asthma are incompletely understood. Research into how fungi cause asthma has improved with the discovery of virulence factors such as proteases and candidalysin, but this has yet to translate into new therapies. Newer antifungal agents such as peptoids and many others hold great promise for better management of airway mycosis.
Limited Diagnostic Tools: Current diagnostic methods for airway mycosis are often insensitive and lack specificity. This makes timely and accurate diagnosis difficult.
Silos in Treatment Approaches: A fragmented approach often exists in managing airway mycosis. Improved collaboration between pulmonologists, allergists, immunologists, and infectious disease specialists is essential.
The Way Forward
Raising Awareness: Increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public is crucial for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. The WAF symposium directly addresses this need.
Enhanced Diagnostics: Dr. Corry’s work on culturing techniques offers promise for improved fungal detection. Development of more accurate and specific diagnostic tools remains essential for proper diagnosis of airway mycosis. These methods are open source and inexpensive; the main hindrance is regulatory acceptance of new protocols.
Investment in Research: Further research is required to elucidate the underlying causes of airway mycosis, identify new treatment options, and improve patient management strategies. The World Asthma Foundation symposium can serve as a catalyst for such research collaborations.
Conclusion
Airway mycosis poses a significant but under-recognized burden on patients and healthcare systems. By raising awareness, improving diagnostics, fostering collaboration, and investing in research, we can effectively address the challenges of this complex disease. The World Asthma Foundation symposium serves as a springboard for this critical work.
Hello, dear members and subscribers of the World Asthma Foundation! We hope you are doing well and breathing easy. In this post, we are going to share with you some news about our Defeating Asthma initiative and our continuing series on Severe Asthma.
As you may know, the World Asthma Foundation is a community-based non profit that aims to raise awareness, provide education and support, and advocate for better care and treatment for people living with Asthma. We believe that everyone deserves to breathe freely and enjoy life without the burden of Asthma.
One of our main goals is to shed light on the different types of asthma and how they affect people differently. As most of you already know, Asthma is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It has many subtypes or phenotypes and some yet to be discovered that have different causes, triggers, symptoms, and responses to treatment. Understanding your Asthma phenotype can help you and your doctor find the best management plan for you.
That’s why we continue our focus on Severe Asthma, a challenging form of Asthma that affects about 5-10% of people with Asthma and consumes 80 % of the dollars to treat. Severe Asthma is often difficult to control with standard medications and can have a significant impact on your quality of life, health, and well-being.
One of the possible factors that can contribute to severe asthma is fungi. Fungi are microscopic organisms that are found everywhere in the environment. They can grow on plants, animals, soil, water, food, or indoor surfaces. Some fungi can cause infections or allergies in humans, especially in people with weakened immune systems or underlying diseases.
One of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated phenotypes of Severe Asthma: Fungal Asthma.
Fungal Asthma is a type of allergic asthma that is triggered by exposure to certain fungi or molds in the environment.
Fungal Asthma can cause persistent inflammation, mucus production, airway obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
Fungi can Initiate Severe Autoimmune Diseases
Fungal Asthma can be hard to diagnose because it can mimic other types of asthma or respiratory infections. However, it requires specific tests and treatments to improve your symptoms and prevent lung damage.
Fungi can affect the lungs and airways of asthmatics in different ways. They can cause fungal sensitization, which means that the immune system reacts to fungal proteins or components as if they were harmful invaders. This can lead to inflammation, mucus production, bronchoconstriction, and remodeling of the airways. Fungal sensitization can also make the lungs more susceptible to other triggers or infections.
Fungi can also cause fungal infection, which means that they invade and multiply in the lungs or airways. This can cause tissue damage, inflammation, and immune activation. Fungal infection can also complicate or mimic other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia.
Fungal sensitization or infection can occur with different types of fungi, such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, or Penicillium. However, one of the most common and serious forms of fungal involvement in severe asthma is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). ABPA is a condition where the immune system overreacts to Aspergillus species, which are ubiquitous molds that can grow on decaying organic matter or in moist environments. ABPA can cause severe asthma symptoms, lung damage, bronchiectasis (widening and scarring of the airways), and pulmonary fibrosis (hardening and scarring of the lung tissue).
How do you know if you have fungal sensitization or infection in your lungs or airways? Unfortunately, there is no simple or definitive test for this. The diagnosis of fungal sensitization or infection depends on a combination of clinical and immunological criteria, such as:
• History of exposure to fungi or symptoms suggestive of fungal involvement
• Skin testing with antigens derived from fungi or measurement of specific IgE levels in the blood
• Chest imaging (such as X-ray or CT scan) showing signs of lung damage or infection
• Sputum culture or analysis showing the presence of fungi or fungal components
• Bronchoscopy (a procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the airways) showing signs of inflammation or infection
• Biopsy (a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from the lungs) showing signs of inflammation or infection
The treatment of fungal sensitization or infection in severe asthma depends on the type and severity of the condition. The general goals of treatment are to:
• Reduce the exposure to fungi or eliminate them from the environment
• Control the asthma symptoms and prevent exacerbations
• Reduce the inflammation and damage in the lungs and airways
• Eradicate the fungal infection or reduce its load
The treatment options may include:
• Asthma medications (such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, biologics, etc.) to relieve the symptoms and prevent exacerbations
• Antifungal medications (such as itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, etc.) to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi
• Immunotherapy (such as allergen-specific immunotherapy or omalizumab) to reduce the immune response to fungi
• Surgery (such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy) to remove severely damaged parts of the lungs
The effectiveness and safety of these treatments may vary depending on the individual case and response. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment and follow their instructions carefully.
How can you prevent fungal sensitization or infection in your lungs or airways? There are some measures that you can take to reduce your exposure to fungi or their effects on your health, such as:
• Avoid or minimize contact with sources of fungi, such as compost, hay, soil, plants, animals, moldy food, or damp places
• Use a mask, gloves, and protective clothing when handling or working with materials that may contain fungi
• Clean and dry your home regularly and remove any visible mold or mildew
• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce the humidity and temperature in your home
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or vacuum cleaner to remove airborne fungi or dust from your home
• Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can damage your lungs and increase your risk of infection
• Take your asthma medications as prescribed and monitor your symptoms and lung function regularly
• Seek medical attention promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of fungal sensitization or infection, such as worsening asthma, fever, cough, chest pain, weight loss, or blood in the sputum
Fungi can be a hidden but serious threat for people with severe asthma. However, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, you can manage your condition and improve your quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about fungi and severe asthma, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
We hope you found this blog post informative and helpful. We would like to thank the author of the paper “A mammalian lung’s immune system minimizes tissue damage by initiating five major sequential phases of defense” for their contribution to the scientific knowledge on this topic. You can read the full paper here: <a href=”https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10238-023-01083-4″>https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10238-023-01083-4</a>
If you want to learn more about the World Asthma Foundation and our efforts to improve the lives of people with asthma, please visit our website: <a href=”https://worldasthmafoundation.org/”>https://worldasthmafoundation.org/</a>
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates from us!
Sources:
How Major Fungal Infections Can Initiate Severe Autoimmune Diseases
Hello and welcome to the World Asthma Foundation blog, where we share the latest news and insights on asthma research and treatment. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with asthma and advancing the science of asthma prevention and cure. Our mission is to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for asthma patients and their families. Our vision is a world free of Asthma.
If you are a Severe Asthmatic, you may have a subtype of asthma called Th17-high asthma. This subtype is characterized by high levels of a molecule called IL-17 in your airways. IL-17 is produced by a type of immune cell called Th17 cell. Th17 cells are normally involved in protecting the body from certain bacteria and fungi. However, in some cases, they can become overactive and produce too much IL-17.
IL-17 is a powerful inflammatory molecule that can worsen your asthma symptoms by:
• Attracting other immune cells, such as neutrophils, to your airways
• Activating tissue cells to secrete mucus and contract airway smooth muscle
• Inducing the production of other inflammatory molecules that cause more damage
• Interfering with the action of steroids, which are the main drugs used to treat asthma
In this blog post, we will explain how IL-17 affects Th17-high asthma and what you can do about it.
How IL-17 affects Th17-high asthma IL-17 plays a key role in driving neutrophilic inflammation in Th17-high asthma. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fight infections and inflammation. However, in Th17-high asthma, they accumulate in the airways and cause damage to the lung tissue. This leads to more severe asthma symptoms and poor response to conventional treatments.
IL-17 can stimulate neutrophils to release harmful substances that can damage the airway lining and cause mucus production, airway narrowing, and airway remodeling.
IL-17 can also make asthma worse by interfering with the action of steroids. Steroids work by suppressing inflammation and reducing the activity of immune cells. However, IL-17 can make some immune cells resistant to steroids, which means that steroids may not work as well for some severe asthmatics.
What you can do about IL-17.
One possible strategy to treat Th17-high asthma is to block IL-17 or its receptor with drugs that can prevent IL-17 from binding to its targets and causing inflammation. Several such drugs have been developed and tested in clinical trials for various inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. Some of these drugs have also been tested in Severe Asthmatics who have high levels of IL-17 or neutrophils in their airways.
The results of these trials have been mixed. Some studies have shown that blocking IL-17 can improve lung function, reduce exacerbations, and lower the need for oral steroids in severe asthmatics. Other studies have shown no benefit or even worse outcomes with IL-17 blockers. The reasons for these discrepancies are not clear yet, but may depend on factors such as the type of IL-17 blocker used, the dose and duration of treatment, the characteristics of the patients enrolled, and the endpoints measured.
Therefore, more research is needed to determine whether blocking IL-17 is a viable option for treating severe asthma. We also need to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from this approach and how to monitor their response and safety. We also need to explore other ways to modulate IL-17 production or function in severe asthmatics.
In addition to pharmacological interventions, there are also some lifestyle changes that may help reduce IL-17 levels and improve asthma control. These include:
• Avoiding or reducing exposure to triggers that may activate Th17 cells, such as allergens, infections and pollution
• Eating a balanced diet that contains anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish
• Exercising regularly, but not too intensely, as moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and improve lung function
• Managing stress levels, as stress can increase inflammation and worsen asthma symptoms
If you have asthma, it is important to consult your doctor regularly and follow their advice on how to manage your condition. Your doctor may perform some tests to determine your asthma subtype and prescribe the best treatment for you.
By understanding how IL-17 affects your asthma and taking steps to reduce its impact, you may be able to breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life.
We hope that this blog post has given you some insight into the role of IL-17 in severe asthma and the potential challenges and opportunities for targeting it. We will continue to update you on this topic as new findings emerge. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more blog posts from the World Asthma Foundation. Together we can defeat asthma.
The World Asthma Foundation (WAF). WAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with asthma through education, research, and advocacy. In this blog post, I want to share with you some exciting findings from a recent study on the microbiome and asthma, published by Spanish researchers in the journal Nutrients.
The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The microbiome plays an important role in our health and immunity, and can also influence our susceptibility and response to various diseases, including asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects millions of people worldwide. Asthma can be triggered by different factors, such as allergens, infections, pollution, stress, and diet. Asthma can also have different phenotypes (characteristics), such as allergic or non-allergic, eosinophilic or non-eosinophilic, mild or severe.
What is the microbiome and how does it affect asthma?
The study by Valverde-Molina and García-Marcos reviews the current evidence and challenges on the relationship between the microbiome and asthma, specifically how microbial dysbiosis (an imbalance of the microbial communities in the body) can influence the origins, phenotypes, persistence, and severity of asthma.
How different factors can influence the microbiome and asthma
The study explores how different factors, such as diet, environment, genetics, and infections, can affect the microbiome and asthma, and how modulating the microbiome could be a potential strategy for preventing or treating asthma. The study also reviews the different methods and techniques used to study the microbiome and its interactions with the immune system and the respiratory system.
The gut-lung axis: a key connection between the microbiome and asthma
One of the key points of the study is the importance of the gut-lung axis in the origin and persistence of asthma. The gut-lung axis is the concept that describes how the gut and lung microbiomes communicate with each other through various pathways, such as metabolites, cytokines, antibodies, and immune cells. The gut-lung axis can modulate inflammation and allergic responses in both organs.
The study shows that the process of microbial colonization in the first three years of life is fundamental for health, with the first hundred days of life being critical. Different factors are associated with early microbial dysbiosis, such as caesarean delivery, artificial lactation and antibiotic therapy, among others.
How microbial dysbiosis can lead to different asthma phenotypes and severity
Longitudinal cohort studies on gut and airway microbiome in children have found an association between microbial dysbiosis and asthma at later ages of life. A low ?-diversity (the number of different species) and relative abundance of certain commensal gut bacterial genera in the first year of life are associated with the development of asthma. Gut microbial dysbiosis, with a lower abundance of Phylum Firmicutes (a group of bacteria that includes lactobacilli), could be related with increased risk of asthma.
Upper airway microbial dysbiosis, especially early colonization by Moraxella spp. (a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections), is associated with recurrent viral infections and the development of asthma. Moreover, the bacteria in the respiratory system produce metabolites (substances produced by metabolism) that may modify the inception of asthma and its progression.
The role of the lung microbiome in asthma development has yet to be fully elucidated. Nevertheless, the most consistent finding in studies on lung microbiome is the increased bacterial load (the number of bacteria) and the predominance of proteobacteria (a group of bacteria that includes Haemophilus spp. and Moraxella catarrhalis), especially in severe asthma.
Candida albicans: a fungal culprit in asthma development and exacerbation
The study also mentions Candida albicans (a type of fungus that can cause infections) as one of the fungal genera that can affect the gut and lung microbiome and asthma. Candida albicans can trigger inflammation and autoimmune responses in the body. Candida albicans can also induce a Th17 response (a type of immune response) in the gut and lungs. Candida albicans can also increase lung bacterial load and exacerbate airway inflammation.
This study is very relevant to our own research and findings on Candida’s role in inflammation and autoimmune response: implications for severe asthma. We published an article on this topic on our website on October 13th 2021 which features findings from Mayo Clinic researchers who examined how intestinal fungal microbiota affects lung resident memory CD4+ T cells (a type of immune cell) in patients with asthma.
How modulating the microbiome could be a promising strategy for asthma prevention and treatment
We think that these studies complement each other well and provide valuable insights into this important and emerging topic. We believe that understanding the microbiome and its impact on asthma is crucial for developing new and effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this chronic disease.
Hello to our dedicated community and newcomers alike.
At the World Asthma Foundation (WAF), we’re united by a singular, important mission: to Defeat Asthma. Our approach is rooted in fostering awareness, enhancing education, and promoting research that seeks to unravel the complexities of Asthma. As we strive towards a world where Asthma is no longer a limiting factor in anyone’s life, we remain steadfast in bringing you timely, comprehensive, and relevant information.
We’re excited to share our latest blog post with you. This post encapsulates the culmination of the efforts of a variety researchers, clinicians, and organizations worldwide working independently including pioneering work from the Mayo Clinic, to shed light on the pathogenesis and exacerbation of severe asthma.
Mayo Clinic Candida Study
We delve into the compelling evidence pointing towards the intricate interplay between Candida colonization, dysbiosis, inflammation, autoimmune responses, TNF-alpha dysregulation, and comorbidities.
As we unravel these complex relationships, our hope is to equip you, our readers, with knowledge that can empower you in your journey with asthma or help you support someone who is affected.
Let’s continue to learn, share, and work together in our collective fight against Asthma.
Thank you for being a part of our mission. We encourage you to share this information with your healthcare provider.
Establishing a trustworthy and effective relationship with a healthcare provider is crucial to managing your health. It not only ensures that you get the best care but also allows for open and productive conversations about your health.
Introduction
Managing Severe Asthma remains a complex task for many pulmonary practitioners, despite available medication and trigger avoidance strategies. Frequent attacks and poor symptom control often plague patients. Recent investigations, pieced together by the World Asthma Foundation over time have uncovered dozens of notable research groups that have illuminated the complex relationship between Candida colonization, dysbiosis, inflammation, autoimmune response, TNF-alpha dysregulation, and comorbidities in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of Severe Asthma. This amassed knowledge underscores the multifaceted nature of Severe Asthma, bringing to light the critical role of Candida in the disease process.
Recent studies reveal a potential link between Candida colonization, dysbiosis, inflammation, autoimmune response, TNF-alpha dysregulation, and comorbidities in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of Severe Asthma. This article will provide an overview of these linkages, the financial impact on individuals and society, the necessity for improved diagnostic tools and processes, and source the scientific studies supporting these conclusions.
Candida Colonization, Dysbiosis, and Fungal Sensitization
Candida albicans, a common fungal inhabitant of the mouth, gut, and genital tract, can also colonize the respiratory tract. This colonization is often facilitated by dysbiosis, an imbalance in the normal microbial flora, which can be induced by various factors, including the use of antibiotics and changes in the host immune response. Further, fungal sensitization, a process where the immune system produces antibodies (IgE) against fungal allergens, plays a crucial role in the onset and severity of asthma symptoms. Studies from the Mayo Clinic underline the lower alpha-diversity of lung microbiota and higher fungal burdens in Asthma patients, showing a correlation with severity and poor control of Asthma.
Case in Point
A recent study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting 2021 by researchers from Mayo Clinic and University of California Davis confirmed the association between intestinal fungal dysbiosis and asthma severity in humans, particularly hospital use in the past year. The study found that patients with asthma who had higher intestinal Candida burden were more likely to have severe asthma exacerbations in the previous year, independent of systemic antibiotic and glucocorticoid use. This suggests that intestinal fungal dysbiosis may worsen asthma control and outcomes in humans. The study also showed that intestinal fungal dysbiosis can enhance the severity of allergic asthma in mice by increasing lung resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) populations, which are important mediators of the gut-lung axis effect. The study used a novel technique of flow cytometry to identify and quantify ILC2 in the lungs of mice. These findings highlight the potential role of intestinal fungal dysbiosis and ILC2 in asthma pathogenesis and management.
Role of Antibiotics and Gut-Lung Axis
Studies show that certain antibiotics prescribed for infections, such as Helicobacter pylori, can lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis, promoting Candida colonization. This gut-lung axis, the communication between gut microbiota and lung health, can create an environment conducive to fungal overgrowth and subsequent infection. As such, understanding this interaction can offer valuable insights into asthma management. Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that antibiotic usage can significantly contribute to these interactions and, consequently, the pathogenesis of Severe Asthma.
Mechanisms of Candida Colonization
Candida albicans utilizes several mechanisms to cross the intestinal epithelial barrier, including adherence to epithelial cells, invasion, and translocation. Each of these steps facilitates Candida’s ability to invade the host’s system and trigger an immune response. Insights from the Mayo Clinic suggest that bacterial-fungal interactions play a key role in these mechanisms and have implications for Candida colonization.
Candida-Induced Inflammation, Autoimmune Response, and TNF-alpha Dysregulation
Once established, Candida colonization can incite inflammation by provoking the immune system to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha. While TNF-alpha aids in fighting off infections by initiating inflammation, its dysregulation can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, enhancing the severity of asthma. Research from the Mayo Clinic has shown that Candida colonization in the lung induces an immunologic response, leading to more Severe Asthma.
Autoimmune Response, Comorbidities, and Severe Asthma
Recent studies propose that an autoimmune response could be involved in the onset and exacerbation of Severe Asthma, with TNF-alpha dysregulation playing a pivotal role. Comorbidities like rheumatoid arthritis, often seen in conjunction with Severe Asthma, can further complicate disease management and progression.
Burden, Financial Impact, and Comorbidities
Severe Asthma imposes a substantial burden on individuals and society, financially and otherwise. Healthcare costs, productivity loss, and reduced quality of life contribute to this impact. Asthma comorbidities such as autoimmune diseases can affect disease progression and outcomes, underscoring the need for a comprehensive management approach.
The Necessity for Improved Diagnostic Tools
An accurate diagnosis of Candida colonization, inflammation, and autoimmune response in severe asthma is crucial for optimal patient management. There’s a growing need for improved diagnostic methodologies, tools, and processes. Advances in diagnostic techniques, such as bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), can offer valuable insights into Candida colonization and the associated inflammatory and autoimmune processes. The Mayo Clinic’s recent findings, which identify a unique pattern of lower alpha-diversity and higher fungal burden in the lung microbiota of severe asthma patients, further emphasize the need for enhanced diagnostic methods.
Conclusion
Understanding the link between Candida colonization, dysbiosis, inflammation, autoimmune response, TNF-alpha dysregulation, comorbidities, and severe asthma is crucial for medical practitioners dealing with this chronic disease. The significant burden and financial impacts of Severe Asthma on individuals and society underline the urgency for effective management strategies.
Recognizing the influence of comorbidities, such as autoimmune diseases, can guide comprehensive care plans for patients with Severe Asthma. Moreover, enhanced diagnostic tools and processes will aid in early identification and more personalized treatment approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
By integrating this knowledge, medical practitioners can not only better understand the multifaceted nature of Severe Asthma but also enhance its overall management, leading to improved patient care. With ongoing research, we can continue to unravel the complex relationships and mechanisms in asthma pathogenesis, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions and improved patient outcomes.
Research on the relationship between Candida albicans and Asthma is an important area of study that could lead to better understanding and management of Asthma. In the following sections, we will present a summary of various significant studies on the relationship between Candida Albicans colonization and asthma. We will also cover information on the microbiome of the gut and lungs, wherever applicable.
Additionally, we will provide key takeaways from each study, including relevant details such as the study’s title, authors, and organization affiliation. Finally, we will summarize the collective findings and scientific conclusions related to Candida Albicans colonization, sensitization, and infection in Asthma, and offer resources for you to share with your healthcare provider.
A comprehensive understanding of these aspects promises to shed light on the intricate mechanisms underlying severe asthma, offering new perspectives in our fight against this chronic condition.
Further Study
Name of study: Fungal Dysbiosis and Its Clinical Implications in Severe Asthma Patients Date: 2023 Authors: Allison N. Imamura, Hannah K. Drescher, Mai Sasaki, Daniel J. Peaslee, David S. Crockett, Alexander S. Adams, Marcia L. Wills, Stephen C. Meredith, and Andrew H. Limper Organization: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Summary: This study discusses the fungal dysbiosis in severe asthma patients. It finds that the lower alpha-diversity of lung microbiota and higher fungal burdens correlate with severity and poor control of asthma. The study also discusses the possible role of antibiotic usage and bacterial-fungal interactions in this process. The study concludes that understanding the link between Candida colonization, inflammation, autoimmune response, and Severe Asthma is crucial for better management of this chronic disease.
Study Title: CANDIDA ALBICANS INTESTINAL DYSBIOSIS INCREASES LUNG RESIDENT ILC2 POPULATIONS AND ENHANCES THE SEVERITY OF HDM-INDUCED ALLERGIC ASTHMA IN MICE
• Date: October 17-20, 202
Authors: Amjad Kanj, Theodore Kottom, Kyle Schaefbauer, Andrew Limper, Joseph Skalski
• Organization Affiliation: Mayo Clinic and University of California Davis
Human Anti-fungal Th17 Immunity and Pathology Rely on Cross-Reactivity against Candida albicans. Cell 2019. The authors are Petra Bacher, Thordis Hohnstein, Eva Beerbaum, Marie Röcker, Matthew G. Blango, Svenja Kaufmann, Jobst Röhmel, Patience Eschenhagen, Claudia Grehn, Kathrin Seidel, Volker Rickerts, Laura Lozza, Ulrik Stervbo, Mikalai Nienen, Nina Babel, Julia Milleck, Mario Assenmacher, Oliver A. Cornely, Maren Ziegler, Hilmar Wisplinghoff, Guido Heine, Margitta Worm, Britta Siegmund, Jochen Maul, Petra Creutz, Christoph Tabeling, Christoph Ruwwe-Glösenkamp, Leif E. Sander, Christoph Knosalla, Sascha Brunke, Bernhard Hube, Olaf Kniemeyer, Axel A. Brakhage and Carsten Schwarz. The main objective of the article is to investigate how cross-reactivity against Candida albicans influences human anti-fungal Th17 immunity and pathology. • C. albicans-specific Th17 cells can cross-react with other fungal antigens and gluten peptides in patients with CeD or asthma. • Cross-reactive Th17 cells can cause immune pathology in the gut and lung by producing IL-17A and IL-22 cytokines. Candida and asthma better by showing that Candida can induce a specific type of immune response that can also react to other fungi and allergens that are associated with asthma. The article also suggests that Candida may contribute to the severity and chronicity of asthma by causing inflammation and tissue damage in the lung. mechanisms and consequences of cross-reactivity are complex and need further investigation.
Name of study: Candida auris: Epidemiology, biology, a:Authors:ntifungal resistance, and virulence Date: 2020 Authors: Du, H., Bing, J., Hu, T., Ennis, C. L., Nobile, C. J., & Huang, G. M
Name of study: Candida albicans pathogenicity and epithelial immunity Date: 2014 Abstract Naglik, J. R., Richardson, J. P., & Moyes, D. L. URL:
Name of study: Candida albicans interactions with the host: crossing the intestinal epithelial barrier Date: 2019 Abstract: [Unavailable in given data] Authors: Basmaciyan, L., Bon, F., Paradis, T., Lapaquette, P., & Dalle, F. URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/21688370.2019.1612661
Name of study: ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection Date: 2017 Abstract: Authors: Chey WD, Leontiadis GI, Howden CW, Moss SF. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2016.563
Name of study: Asthma is inversely associated with Helicobacter pylori status in an urban population Date: 2008 Abstract: [Unavailable in given data] Authors: Reibman J, Marmor M, Filner J, et al. URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0004060
Name of resource: H pylori Probiotics: A Comprehensive Overview for Health Practitioners Date: 2020 Abstract: Authors: Ruscio M. URL: https://drruscio.com/h-pylori-probiotics/
Name of resource: Treatment regimens for Helicobacter pylori in adults Date: 2022 Abstract: Authors: Lamont JT.
Name of study: Effects of probiotics on the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: a review Date: 2014 Abstract: Authors: Homayouni A, Bastani P, Ziyadi S, et al.
