Candida albicans Antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM)

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that grows both as yeast and filamentous cells and one of the few species of the Candida genus that cause the infection candidiasis in humans.

Albicans is a common member of human gut flora and is detectable in the gastrointestinal tract in 40% of healthy adults. The Candida antigen tests typically monitors three specific antibodies and the Candida antigen itself: 

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