Candida spp. have commonly been identified as part of the healthy human mycobiome. Host defense interruption, or immunocompromise, is required for them to act as pathogens.

Candida albicans is the most prevalent among the Candida spp.

Fungi, including Candida, are ubiquitous in our environment and are part of natural foods and industrial processes, including antibiotic production, bread, cheese, alcoholic beverages, decomposing natural debris, fruits, and soil nutrients.

Candida is present in the gut of up to 70% of healthy adults, but certain factors, including diabetes, antibiotics, antacid, and steroid inhaleruse, promote overgrowth.

IgA antibodies: this type is normally found in the mucous secretions. It plays a major role in local immunity; and, constitutes 15 to 20% of all human immunoglobulins. It is the major class of antibodies found in our seromucous secretions. When the IgA levels against the candida are high, they reflect high levels of mucosal epithelial, trachea-bronchial, genital and urinary candida infections.

Blood testing for Candida (“yeast” infection) IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies indicate past or present infection with this common fungus.

This test is used to detect systemic candidiasis. Candida normally occurs in the mouth, vagina, or gastrointestinal tract. This test is qualitative, meaning if candida antibodies are found, a candida infection is actively occurring now or has occurred in the past.

The candida antibodies test results can help you detect an ongoing candida infection and treat it as early as possible.

When you test all three antibodies, you are helping your doctor make the most accurate diagnosis.

IgG Antibodies: this is the most commonly formed antibody. It is usually released upon a secondary exposure to the antigen. This type of antibody can reflect either an ongoing or a previous infection. It usually comes in a secondary stage. When the body first gets exposed to a certain antigen (primary exposure), it releases another kind of antibodies. When these decrease in number, following a secondary exposure, the body will start releasing IgG. This kind of antibody plays a major role in the phagocytic process that aims at eliminating antigens from our system.

IgG antibodies are predominant immunoglobulins; and, are found everywhere in our fluids: in both intra- and extravascular fluids. When a person becomes infected, these type of antibodies may remain in your system for many years, even after the infection is eradicated.

IgM antibodies: this type is the first antibody released, following any first-time exposure to a certain antigen. Once formed, it activates the compliment and initiate the phagocytic system to help the body getting rid of invading antigens. IgM are specific to our intravascularly tissues. They are the most predominant immunoglobulins released upon any early infection. If the body gets re-infected with the same pathogen, the IgM levels will no longer be as elevated as in early infections. The body will then release IgG’s antibodies instead.

Candida Immune Complexes which form in vivo are comprised of Candida Albicans antigen, anti-Candida IgG antibodies, and complement. The presence of these complexes is an indication of overgrowth of C. albicans in the gut. Candida immune complexes not only aid in diagnosing intestinal overgrowth, but that levels of complexes decrease during successful treatment of the condition

Symptoms of Candida intestinal overgrowth include bloating, itching, and skin rashes. Lehman and Reiss suggested that the presence of immune complexes to Candida is an objective means of diagnosing the condition. The results of Broughton and Lanson concluded that the marker for Candida immune complexes not only aid in diagnosing intestinal overgrowth, but that levels of complexes decrease during successful treatment.

What is Candida spp.?
Candida is a genus of yeast that naturally resides in the human body, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, mouth, skin, and vaginal flora. In small amounts, Candida plays a role in digestion and immune function. However, an overgrowth can lead to various symptoms and health concerns.

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.