by Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
April 24, 2024
Candida esophagitis is a medical condition where the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, becomes infected by the Candida fungus. This infection causes inflammation and damage to the esophageal tissue. The condition is also known as esophageal candidiasis or thrush.
What causes Candida esophagitis?
Candida esophagitis is caused by the fungus Candida infecting the tissue inside the esophagus. Most infections are caused by Candida albicans or Candida tropicalis.
Who is at risk for developing Candida esophagitis?
Candida esophagitis is more common in people with a weakened immune system, diabetes mellitus, esophageal motility disorders, and the elderly. Corticosteroids and antibiotic use also increase the risk of developing it.
What are the symptoms of Candida esophagitis?
The most common symptoms of Candida esophagitis are difficulty swallowing and pain when swallowing food or liquids.
How is Candida esophagitis diagnosed?
Candida esophagitis can be diagnosed after your doctor examines the inside of your esophagus with a camera called an endoscope. During this examination, a white or grey discoloration may be seen. Small tissue samples will be removed from the abnormal area in a procedure called a biopsy, and the tissue will be sent to a pathologist for examination under the microscope.
What does Candida esophagitis look like under the microscope?
The cells that normally cover the inside of the esophagus are called squamous cells, and they form a barrier called the epithelium. In Candida esophagitis, the micro-organisms will be seen on the surface of the epithelium and in between the squamous cells. Cells from the body’s immune system, including many neutrophils, respond to the presence of micro-organisms with a process called acute inflammation. Damaged or dying squamous cells are often seen in the area of acute inflammation. These cells may be described as squamous or necrotic debris.
What other tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis?
Your pathologist may perform special stains, including Grocott and PAS-D, which make it easier to see the microorganisms, such as fungi, within the tissue.
About this article
Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us with any questions about this article or your pathology report. Read this article for a more general introduction to the parts of a typical pathology report.
Other helpful resources
Atlas of Pathology
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