Candida albicans Antibodies IgM (candidiasis)

General Information

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that typically inhabits the human gastrointestinal system and genital area.

They can colonize and cause infection on the surface of mucous membranes, resulting in an immune response. Activation of various fungal species and fungal infections are especially common in immunocompromised people, in the postoperative period, and in diseases with neutropenia (a deficiency of neutrophil leukocytes).

In cases of insufficient cellular immune responses, superficial but not disseminated (widespread) candidiasis is common.

Detection of Candida albicans antibodies helps us determine the activity of the fungal infection and the effectiveness of the immune response in our body.

IgM Antibodies – These are antibodies developed during the acute phase of infection. Their production stimulates phagocytosis – the absorption of the pathogen by macrophages, which is necessary for the completion of the acute infectious process. In case of repeated infection with the same pathogen, the increase in IgM antibodies will not be as pronounced as during the primary infection.

IgG Antibodies – This type of antibody is produced in the body during repeated invasion (reinfection) of a pathogen (infectious agent). The presence of this type of antibody indicates a transferred or chronic process. IgG plays an important role in the final elimination of the pathogen from the body.

IgG is the most common antibody and can be found in all body fluids. This type of antibody remains in the body for a long time after infection.

IgA antibodies It is mainly manifested by the secretion of mucous membranes in the liquid and plays an important role in the formation of local immune reactions. IgA antibodies make up 15-20% of all immunoglobulins in the human body. When the titer of IgA antibodies to Candida is high, this indicates the activity of candidal infection in the body (respiratory, urogenital and other localizations).

Preparation of the patient: it is not necessary

Material for examination: Venous blood