Hansenula anomala killer toxin induces secretion and severe acute injury in the rat intestine

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The yeast Hansenula anomala has been associated with gastrointestinal symptomatology and damage to the intestinal wall in humans. In vitro and in vivo, H. anomala secretes a toxin, killer toxin, which is lethal to other microorganisms. In view of the very high rate of killer phenotype expression recorded for H. anomala strains in nature, this study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that H. anomala killer toxin plays a role in the pathogenesis of H. anomala-induced enteritis. METHODS: Effects of active and heat-inactivated H. anomala killer toxin on intestinal fluid homeostasis and electrolyte balance were investigated in rat small intestine using a standard intestinal perfusion technique. Sections of the perfused jejunum tracts were examined histologically. RESULTS: H. anomala killer toxin induced a significant secretion of water and electrolytes. No significant change was observed when either heat-inactivated H. anomala killer toxin or control growth medium were tested. Histological analysis showed ischemic degeneration of villi and sloughing of surface epithelium in 50% of active H. anomala killer toxin-perfused jejuna. CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents original observations compatible with the hypothesis that H. anomala killer toxin plays a role in the pathogenesis of H. anomala-induced enteritis.