Candida Test
| See Also | Lab Tests |
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Candidiasis, or Candida albicans is the most prominent fungal infection and it is commonly associated with both acute and chronic diseases. Chronic exposure to Candida, especially when this yeast has colonized directly on or has become invasive into the mucosal tissues, can result in the elevation of specific antibodies in the IgG, IgA, and IgM classes (Candidiasis).
Discussion
The genus Candida' comprise about 154 species of which six most commonly inhabit the skin and mucous membranes as members of normal flora. Candida albicans represents the most abundant opportunistic strain while Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida lusitaniae may also mount infection under opportunistic conditions. Predisposing factors that may set up such conditions include trauma (infection), surgery, underlying disease (diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease), medications (corticosteroids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives), immunodeficiency, pregnancy, age (elderly, infancy), and malnutrition.
The Candida antigen tests typically monitors three specific antibodies and the Candida antigen itself:[1]
- IgG antibodies
- :* IgG is the predominant antibody formed from secondary exposure to antigen, and reflects a past or ongoing infection. It is produced as IgM antibody levels decrease after primary exposure. IgG activates complement, and assists the phagocytic system to eliminate antigen from the extravascular space.
- The IgG antibodies represent the major class of human immunoglobulins and are evenly distributed throughout both our intra- and extravascular fluids. Note that specific IgG antibodies may persist for many years after an infection has been eradicated.
- IgA antibodies
- IgA is found in mucous secretions and is important in local (mucosal) immunity.
- Although representing only 15-20% of our human serum immunoglobulins, are the predominant antibody class found in seromucus secretions. High levels of specific IgA antibodies against Candida species as measured in serum are thought to be associated with mucosal epithelial, tracheobronchial, and genito-urinary candida infections.
- IgM antibodies
- IgM is the first antibody formed after primary exposure to antigen. IgM readily activates complement, and assists the phagocytic system to eliminate antigen from the intravascular space.
- IgM are confined in the body to our intravascular tissues and are generally regarded as the predominant immunoglobulins involved in early infections. Often, upon reinfection, IgM antibody levels may not be as elevated as in earlier infections.
- Candida antigen'
- The detection of Candida antigen in serum is evidence that mucosal and immunological barriers have been overwhelmed.
Patient Preparation
- Diet - adhere to your normal diet. Consume a variety of foods when possible. Avoid any food that may have potentially resulted in a previous adverse reaction or anaphylaxis.
- Medications - Immunosuppressive drugs such as oral or intranasal corticosteroids (prednisone, beclomethasone, fluticasone, triamcinolone), and topical cortisone suspensions and creams, may affect test results for antibody assessment. The suggested time period to abstain from these is 4 weeks.
Clinical Implications
- Elevated IgG can be indicative of past or ongoing infections.
- Elevated IgA antibodies may reflect a more superficial Candida infection.
- Elevated IgM reflects a present infection.
- The detection of Candida antigen in serum is evidence that mucosal and immunological barriers have been overwhelmed.
- The absence of Candida antigen does not necessarily rule out Candida as a principle pathogen, nor does it obviate the
role of Candida in causing or exacerbating a person's problems.
