Detection of Fungal Translocation in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder Using a Real-Time PCR Assay.

Fungal DNA was detected in the blood of a substantial proportion of AUD patients using qRT-PCR.

• Out of 42 patients tested, 30.9% (13/42) had positive signals on one or several of their samples.
• Blood samples were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 weeks after alcohol withdrawal.
• Total DNA was extracted from blood and fungal DNA was searched by qRT-PCR with panfungal primers.
• Positive samples were sequenced to determine the species detected.
• 65 patients with AUD were included in the study, though 42 were ultimately tested.

Candida albicans was the predominant fungal species identified in the blood of AUD patients.

• Identified DNAs were 'mostly Candida albicans.'
• Species identification was performed by sequencing PCR products amplified with panfungal primers.
• Detection occurred across blood samples collected at multiple timepoints (baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks post-withdrawal).

No significant variation in mean level of fungal DNA copies was found over time following alcohol withdrawal.

• Blood samples were collected at three timepoints: baseline, 3 weeks after withdrawal, and 6 weeks after withdrawal.
• No significant variation in mean level of fungal DNA copies was found over time in the 13 patients with positive signals.
• This suggests that alcohol withdrawal over the 6-week study period did not significantly reduce fungal translocation.

No correlation was found between intestinal integrity markers and fungal translocation in AUD patients.

• Intestinal integrity markers were measured alongside fungal DNA detection in blood.
• No correlation was found between these markers and the presence of fungal DNA in blood.
• This finding suggests that fungal elements may be able to translocate independently of the integrity of the gut barrier.
• This contrasts with bacterial translocation studies, where intestinal barrier disruption is typically considered a prerequisite.

Fungal elements in the gut are largely neglected in translocation studies despite their potential role in triggering various diseases.

• The authors note that translocation studies 'focus on bacteria, neglecting fungal elements.'
• Fungi are described as 'also involved in triggering various diseases.'
• Gut microbiota, including fungal components, 'plays a key role in triggering various diseases.'
• This study was designed specifically to address the gap in knowledge about fungal translocation in AUD patients.