The First Reported Case of Colonic Infection Caused by Candida tropicalis and a Review of the Literature

Lower gastrointestinal tract infections caused by Candida species are rarely reported, and Candida albicans is the only pathogen that has been identified. The author reports a first case of colonic candidiasis caused by Candida tropicalis in a 55-year-old female with diabetes mellitus type 2, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and neutropenia induced by chemotherapy. Diarrhea and fever were the presenting symptoms. Diagnosis was made based on deep tissue involvement on colonoscopy with biopsy and positive hemoculture. This alerted the physician to be aware of Candida non-albicans as a cause of colonic infection. Fungal culture should always be done to identify specific Candida species, leading to appropriate antifungal therapy. A review of the literature on colonic candidiasis is also presented here.