
Candida Antibodies

CA
Description
"Candida Antibodies" test identifies antibodies to Candida species, including C. albicans and C. glabrata, to detect active or past fungal infections. It’s commonly ordered for individuals with fatigue, recurring fevers, or weakened immunity. A blood sample is tested for immune response to Candida. Elevated levels may indicate infection requiring antifungal therapy. This test helps confirm the cause of symptoms and guides care. Monitoring antibody levels over time supports recovery and prevents further complications in high-risk patients.
Test Category
Antibodies
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Units Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Infection Group
Test Group Description
Infection Group: Tests within this group detect markers indicative of various infections, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: < 10.00 U/mL
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: < 20.00 U/mL
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (a persistent form of candidiasis affecting mucous membranes and skin)
Fungal overgrowth syndrome (a controversial condition characterized by excessive growth of fungi in the gastrointestinal tract)
Immunocompromised states (conditions that weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to fungal infections)
Invasive candi...
Key Reasons For Testing
Detection of Fungal Infections: Identifies Candida infections such as oral thrush, skin problems, or severe internal infections.
Diagnosis of Systemic Candidiasis: High antibody levels signal serious infections affecting internal organs, enabling prompt treatment.
Identification of Candida Species: Determines the specific Candida type to guide targeted treatment.
Monitoring Disease Progression: Tracks infection status to decide if treatment adjustments are necessary.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Matthews RC, Burnie JP. The role of antibodies in defense against Candida infections. J Med Microbiol.1989;29(4):233-238.
[2] Kauffman CA. Fungal infections in older adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2001;33(4):550-555.
[3] Calderone RA. Immunology of Candida infections. Immunol Invest. 1997;26(1-2):173-182.
[4] Walsh TJ, Dixon DM. Spectrum of Mycoses in the Immunocompromised Host. Clin Infect Dis. 1989;11(Suppl 1).
[5] Cassone A, Casadevall A. Recent progress in vaccines against fungal diseases. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2012;15(4):427-433.
[6] Sobel JD. Vulvovaginal candidosis. Lancet. 2007;369(9577):1961-1971.
[7] Rex JH, Pfaller MA, Walsh TJ, et al. Antifungal susceptibility testing: practical aspects and current challenges. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2001;14(4):643-658.
[8] Richardson MD, Lass-Flörl C. Changing epidemiology of systemic fungal infections. Clin Microbiol Infect.2008;14(Suppl 4):5-24.
[9] Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes DR, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the management of candidiasis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62(4):e1-e50.
[10] de Repentigny L, Lewandowski D, Jolicoeur P. Immunopathogenesis of oropharyngeal candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2004;17(4):729-759.
[11] Odds FC, Brown AJ, Gow NA. Antifungal agents: mechanisms of action. Trends Microbiol. 2003;11(6):272-279.