Candida Antibody Panel - More Information

The Candida antibody panel, also known as a Candida antibody blood test, measures the Candida albicans IgA, IgG and IgM antibody blood levels.

Candida albicans is a common fungus and yeast that is widespread in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans but typically does not live elsewhere. In healthy individuals, Candida is largely harmless. In certain conditions, Candida overgrowth can occur, leading to a variety of symptoms that are not easily diagnosed through traditional lab testing. Symptoms related to Candida overgrowth are often caused by an overstimulation of the immune system.

Candida overgrowth can interfere with the gut's normal responsibilities of digestion and absorption of nutrients. While disseminated candidiasis is more readily diagnosed in advanced cases, mild Candida infections can frequently be undiagnosed given the relatively mild symptoms they cause. Candida overgrowth has been reported to cause chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

When the immune system responds to a Candida infection, it often produces elevated antibody levels which can be measured with a blood test. This Candida antibody panel builds on the Candida IgG test in that it checks for three different types of antibodies to Candida albicans - Candida IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies. Candida IgA antibodies tend to be found in parts of the body that have higher levels of mucus and serve to protect these mucosal regions from Candida infections. As a result, Candida IgA levels are typically higher in areas such as the throat, bronchi and genital regions. Candida IgG antibodies are found throughout the body and are produced by the immune system when the body has been exposed to a past or current Candida infection. Candida IgM antibodies are the first antibodies detected when the immune system is fighting a Candida infection and often indicates a new Candida infection.

Getting a Candida antibody panel test near you through Quest Diagnostics requires a simple blood draw and your blood antibody levels will be analyzed using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. It is recommended that you avoid anything that might suppress your immune system (e.g steroid medications) prior to your blood draw if possible. As can be seen on the Candida antibody sample report we have provided through the link above, your Candida IgA, IgG and IgM antibody levels will be reported as numbers and can be compared against the interpretive criteria, or reference range, provide by the lab. Based on the comparison, you can determine if enough Candida antibody was seen to be considered detectable.

In severe cases, Candida can spread throughout the body causing a disseminated Candida infection called candidiasis. Candida antibody testing may have some utility in rarer conditions such as Kawasaki disease. Disseminated Candida infections typically occurs in people with severely compromised immune systems (e.g. cancer patients on chemotherapy). Candida is commonly spread through contamination in hospital settings such as intensive care units. In addition to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, Candida can be found in the skin, throat, and genital regions like the vagina.