What question did this study set out to answer?

To highlight the underrecognized role of small intestinal fungal overgrowth in causing gastrointestinal symptoms and complications, particularly bowel obstruction.

March 18, 2026Cureus0 citationsOpen Access

Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth Mimicking a Surgical Abdomen and Presenting as Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report and Literature Review

AAAmaar Aamery HWHashim Ba Wazir MAMostafa R. Amer

Key Points

To highlight the underrecognized role of small intestinal fungal overgrowth in causing gastrointestinal symptoms and complications, particularly bowel obstruction.
Case report of a patient with advanced retroviral infection and bowel obstruction due to SIFO.
Literature review to contextualize findings within existing research on fungal overgrowth in the GI tract.
Patient developed small bowel obstruction attributable to excessive fungal colonization.
Highlighted the diagnostic difficulties in identifying SIFO as a cause of GI symptoms.
Emphasized the need for increased awareness and timely management of SIFO.

Abstract

Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) is defined by an abnormal proliferation of fungal organisms, most commonly Candida species, within the small intestine. Fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, are recognized causes of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, especially in patients with underlying conditions, such as malignancy or diabetes mellitus (DM), and in those exposed to immunosuppressive therapies, corticosteroids, or prolonged antibiotic use. SIFO is an underrecognized cause of GI symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption. In rare cases, excessive fungal colonization can lead to mechanical bowel obstruction. This case report describes a patient with advanced retroviral infection who developed small bowel obstruction secondary to SIFO, underscoring the diagnostic challenges, therapeutic approaches, and the critical importance of early recognition and management.

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