Campylobacter spp. is a foodborne pathogen responsible for causing gastroenteritis. Infection typically occurs after consuming contaminated food, especially poultry, unpasteurized milk, and water. Patients infected with Campylobacter may experience symptoms such as acute watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and weight loss. In some cases, the infection can lead to more severe health issues, such as the autoimmune condition Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.

The Candida albicans marker in a gastrointestinal (GI) panel is a crucial indicator of the presence and concentration of Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus, in the gut microbiome. Candida albicans is a common commensal organism in the human body, residing in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal mucosa without causing harm under normal circumstances. However, an overgrowth of this fungus, as suggested by elevated levels in a GI panel, can lead to candidiasis, a condition that manifests in various forms depending on the affected area. In the context of the gastrointestinal tract, an overgrowth can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and in some cases, systemic symptoms if the fungus enters the bloodstream.

A separate test for IgG antibody to Candida (serum and DBS) is included because of Candida’s importance to overall health. IgG antibodies to Candida may be due to current or past infection or intestinal overgrowth. An elevated Candida IgG indicates the immune system has interacted with Candida. Although Candida and related fungal species are normal constituents of GI flora, use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy, or anti-inflammatory steroids increases the possibility of fungal overgrowth and imbalance of GI flora. Dietary improvements and/or antifungal therapy may lower Candida antibodies and reduce symptoms.

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. There are over 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans, the most common of which is Candida albicans.

Commensal fungi that can be pathogenic to immunocompromised patients. Causes vaginal yeast infections and can be fatal in systemic infections. May cause diarrhea. Has been suggested to cause a cluster of symptoms including GI complaints, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain but evidence is weak.

Candida albicans is a filamentous yeast that colonises the mouth and gastrointestinal tract of more than 60% of healthy adults. In immunocompromised subjects (cancer, organ transplants, AIDS) it often causes the infection candidiasis. Superficial infections commonly affect the mouth and vagina, while systemic infections, often together with S. aureus, have a 40-60% mortality rate. C. albicans is associated with small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO), causing bloating, diarrhoea and nausea. C. albicans is also associated with Crohn’s disease.