Pancreatic colonization of fungi in the development of severe acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common emergent disorder, a significant population of which develops the life-threatening condition, called severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). It is generally accepted that bacterial infection is associated with the development and persistence of SAP. In addition to bacterial infection, recent clinical studies disclosed a high incidence of fungal infection in patients with SAP. Moreover, SAP patients with fungal infection exhibit a higher mortality rate than those without infection. Although these clinical studies support pathogenic roles played by fungal infection in SAP, beneficial effects of prophylactic anti-fungal therapy on SAP have not been proved. Here we summarize recent clinical findings as to the relationship between fungal infection and the development of SAP. In addition, we discuss molecular mechanisms accounting for the development of SAP in the presence of fungal infection.

Automated summary

Acute pancreatitis is a common emergent disorder, and a portion of patients develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which is life-threatening. Besides bacterial infection, recent studies have shown a high incidence of fungal infection in SAP patients, and those with fungal infection have a higher mortality rate. Although the pathogenic role of fungal infection in SAP has been supported, the benefits of prophylactic anti-fungal therapy have not been proven.