In animal experiments, thrush causes memory problems and brain disorders similar to Alzheimer's. Houston scientists recently concluded that treating candidiasis improves spatial memory.
Why are fungi dangerous?
Candidaalbicans is a fungus that naturally grows in the intestines, oral cavity, and human vagina. A new study shows that the fungus is able to penetrate the brain and affect memory in mice.
Infection stimulates the formation of abnormal structures in the brain that look like amyloid plaques. They, in turn, are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists tested several doses of Candidaalbicans in a mouse model. They were surprised to find that the fungus crosses the barrier separating the brain from the blood. In the brain, yeast activated cells of the immune system, which absorbed and digested them.
Harmful fungi created molecules that caused inflammation and led to the formation of a "granular structure in the brain." Researchers have called this structure "fungal-induced glial granuloma." They found that granulomas formed amyloid precursor proteins around yeast.
Scientists tested the memory of mice and compared infected rodents with those that did not have a yeast infection. In mice with candidiasis, predominantly spatial memory was significantly impaired.
When the infection went away, the spatial memory of the mice returned to normal.
These results indicate that the role of fungi in human disease may go beyond respiratory diseases.
Can fungi cause brain infections?
Researchers also wanted to find out if Candidaalbicans can cause brain infections. They investigated the effects of yeast infection in mice. As it turned out, the pathogen can cause inflammation of the brain.
Scientists were also able to show that the fungus caused short-term orientation problems in rodents.
Also, immune cells of the nervous system have become active due to infection. They produced different molecules, which, in turn, caused inflammatory reactions in the brain of mice.
The results warrant further research to understand the effects of chronic thrush on brain function. Research shows that CandidaAlbicans easily impairs short-term memory.
At rest, the brain receives a relatively large proportion of cardiac output - about 14%. Therefore, it is susceptible to the penetration of pathogens that are transmitted through the blood.
Candidiasis infection of the brain has long been the main cause of cerebral abscess observed at autopsy.
Researchers suspect that yeast also plays a role in the development of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
New treatments for candida infections?
A new treatment option for fungal diseases was introduced by Yale University researchers. A small molecule recognizes chitin, which is located in the cell wall of fungi, but not in the human body.
It directs the natural antibodies of the human immune system "to the right places." Due to this connection, the drug helps the immune system recognize the “intruder” and destroy it.
The team showed how, in a laboratory model, different amounts of a new substance recognized Candidaalbicans yeast. In addition, a synergistic effect was observed with the well-known antifungal agent caspofungin.
Echinocandin-resistant fungi are increasingly synthesizing chitin to restore their cell wall. However, due to this increased production of chitin, the effectiveness of the new drug is also increasing.
According to the new mechanism of action of the molecule, drugs could build new substances against fungal microorganisms. Both separate and combination therapy with existing fungicides will be possible.
Scientists believe that the correct treatment of thrush helps prevent Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Women with fungal infections need to see a doctor.
