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, IgA antibodies, IgM antibodies.

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.

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.

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.

C. difficile is an opportunistic anaerobic bacterium which causes symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis when the normal flora has been altered (as in antibiotic use).

C. difficile produces two toxins:

- Toxin A is a tissuedamaging enterotoxin,

- while toxin B is referred to as a cytotoxin.

C. difficile is an opportunistic anaerobic bacterium which causes symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis when the normal flora has been altered (as in antibiotic use).

C. difficile produces two toxins:

- Toxin A is a tissuedamaging enterotoxin,

- while toxin B is referred to as a cytotoxin.