Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that grows both as yeast and filamentous cells and one of the few species of the Candida genus that cause the infection candidiasis in humans.
Albicans is a common member of human gut flora and is detectable in the gastrointestinal tract in 40% of healthy adults. The Candida antigen tests typically monitors three specific antibodies and the Candida antigen itself: IgG antibodies, IgA antibodies, IgM antibodies.
IgM antibodies
IgM is the first antibody formed after primary exposure to antigen. IgM readily activates complement, and assists the phagocytic system to eliminate antigen from the intravascular space. IgM are confined in the body to our intravascular tissues and are generally regarded as the predominant immunoglobulins involved in early infections. Often, upon reinfection, IgM antibody levels may not be as elevated as in earlier infections.
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Elevated IgM reflects a present infection.
IgM and IgA antibodies rise early in the infection process, and when elevated they provide a better sense that a real-time Candida exposure might be taking place. With their shorter half-lives, the levels for IgA and IgM might be expected to drop off as the IgG levels rise (about 3 weeks after exposure or infection).
Systemic candidiasis is a fungal infection that results from an overgrowth and spread of Candida (yeast) in body tissues. The 'passage' of Candida albicans (pathogens) through the gastrointestinal mucosa in the bloodstream is seen as an important mechanism for the development of systemic candidiasis. Systemic Candidiasis can be accompanied by symptoms such as migraine headache, depression, urogenital dysfunction, gas formation the intestines and allergies. In more extreme cases, the patient feels completely 'paralyzed'.
When Candida albicans or antigens thereof pass through the gastrointestinal mucosa and enter the blood, the formation of specific antibodies against this fungal yeast. At the first contact, the formation of antibodies of the IgM type. This is later followed by the synthesis of antibodies of the IgG type.
Potential ways to treat candidiasis
Important note: Please work together with your doctor and/or medical professional before starting any sort of treatment.
Candida species are the most common cause of fungal infections. Candida species produce infections that range from non—life-threatening mucocutaneous illnesses to invasive processes that may involve virtually any organ. Such a broad range of infections requires an equally broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Please discuss treatment options with your doctor directly.
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