What is Candida?
Candida is often classified as a type of yeast. However, it's a unique fungus (or mold) and is sometimes called pseudo yeast. This pseudo yeast is capable of causing fungal infections in humans. Additionally, candida albicans is the most common species, and it typically affects the skin, mouth, intestinal tract, vagina, and other moist, warm, and dark areas of the body. This fungus species can also be found in soil and organic debris, but is rarely recorded in airborne spore surveys.
Candida albicans is naturally found in the human body. However, several health conditions can sometimes cause an overgrowth, such as abnormal hormone levels, stress, and various immunity factors. Although Aspergillus fumigatus, another mold, is the most common cause of a severe lung condition called allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses (ABPM), Candida is also a known cause of this disease.
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Candida Antibodies Blood Test, IgG, IgA, and IgM, ELISA, to detect antibodies the body produces in response to Candida albicans. For some individuals, their body produces an overgrowth of Candida which results in several health conditions, such as upper and lower respiratory diseases, yeast infections (vaginitis), oral thrush, and skin and diaper rashes. Furthermore, many studies indicate that it also plays a crucial role in developing allergy-related diseases. In addition, some experts believe recurring Candida albicans imbalances can result in chronic sensitivity to this pseudo yeast.
When an individual becomes sensitized to Candida and exposed to the antigen, their immune system recognizes the pseudo yeast or fungus as foreign. As a result, it stimulates the plasma cells to produce specific immunoglobulins (antibodies) that combat the antigens. The antibodies produced by the immune system include the following:
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) – IgA is found primarily in the walls of the respiratory and digestive tract and in saliva, tears, and breast milk. IgA's primary function is to protect against infection in mucosal areas of the body, such as the sinus, lungs, stomach, and intestines. There are two IgA subtypes: IgA1 and IgA2.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) – IgG is mainly found in the blood. IgG antibodies are produced in response to an active infection or recent exposure to an antigen. IgG antibody levels peak a few weeks after the infection begins, then decrease and stabilize. The body maintains a certain level of IgG antibodies that can be instantly produced once exposed to the same antigen again, creating long-term protection against infections. Vaccinations replicate this process by exposing individuals to weakened IgG antibodies and stimulating antigen recognition. There are four IgG subtypes: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) – IgM is the first antibody produced by the immune system to respond to new infections or foreign antigens, providing only short-term protection. They increase for several weeks and then decline as the immune system produces IgG antibodies.
When should I order a Candida Antibodies Blood Test?
Individuals may order this Candida Albicans Allergy Blood Test if they have experienced symptoms related to candida infection (invasive, oral, or vaginal). Common symptoms of a candida infection may include one or more of the following:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Low blood pressure
- Skin rashes
- Recurrent yeast infections (vaginitis)
- White, coated tongue (thrush)
- Excessive intestinal gas and bloating
- Increased cravings for sugar
- Loss of taste
