Candidiasis of gastrointestinal tract at patients treated with antibiotics - prophylactic use of diet supplements

Introduction: Fungi may be present within human organism with no clinical symptoms of mycosis. Local bacterial flora and local environmental conditions in gastrointestinal tract prevent from colonization and spreading the Candida fungus. Antibiotics, namely those with a wide spectrum, cause quantitative decrease of local flora population, which disturbs proper defense mechanisms of an organism. Under such conditions, Candida fungi may reach improperly high concentrations in gastrointestinal tract gaining the ability to adherence, colonization, and dissemination. Goals and methods: Analysis of available literature references related to the influence of antibiotic therapy on gastrointestinal tract mycosis development. The poll performed among students of Lublin universities aimed at evaluating the frequency of antibiotic ingestion, conscious of respondents upon the influence of antibiotic therapy on gastrointestinal tract status, and prophylaxis application in a form of ingesting the protective drugs or diet supplements. Results: Taking antibiotics during last two years was declared by 76.1% of respondents (175 persons) and - which is particularly alarming - 32.6% (75 persons) of polled have not consulted it with any physician. Eighteen persons (7.8% of respondents) took antibiotics 4 and more times a year, while 27% (62 persons) at least once a year. Only 66% of polled (152 persons, including 72 students from University of Life Sciences - 53.7% and 80 persons from Medical University - 83.5%) applied supportive treatment during antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: Applying antibiotic therapy is a common practice at present, namely taking drugs many times within a short period and with no consultations with any physician, is particularly alarming. The clinical data related to the fact that antibiotic use may invoke problems within gastrointestinal tract, were confirmed. Supportive use of diet supplements and protective drugs that recover a proper bacterial flora within digestive tract, may be helpful.