Abstract: Challenged with various doses of Candida albicans by oral intragastric route colonization of Candida albicans on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was observed.The results showed that the percentage of Candida albicans adherent to the intestinal mucose was proportional to the doses of fungi.Dexamethasone, methotrexate and tetracycline could all increase the adherence of Candida to the GI mucosa, and partly disseminated to other organs leading the mice to death.It suggests that colonization of Candida on GI is an important reservior in immunocompromised hosts.Chitins have the effect to inhibit the adherence and can be considered as a means for prophylaxis.

Key words: Candida albicans, Adherence