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.

C. albicans is a human commensal yeast. By penetrating the intestinal barrier this pathogen is able to thrive in the human host. Its inflammatory effect in the gastrointestinal tract opens the intestinal barrier, putting tissue and organs at risk for autoimmunity. Candida has been shown to crossreact with a variety of human tissues and thus, when Candida or its antigens reach the blood stream, the antibodies produced against it may turn on self-tissue proteins. The end result can be autoimmunity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.