INTRODUCTION

The alphaWell Candida albicans ELISAs are intended for the qualitative determination of IgG, IgM or IgA class antibodies against Candida albicans in serum or plasma.

Candida albicans is a disploid asexual fungus (a form of yeast) and a causal agent of opportunistic oral and vaginal infections in humans. It is among the gut flora, the many organisms that live in the human mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Candida infections must therefore be considered endogenous.

Under normal circumstances, Candida albicans lives in 80% of the human population with no harmful effects, although overgrowth results in candidiasis. Candidiasis usually develops in persons whose immunity is compromised (such as HIV-positive patients), most frequently in the presence of disturbed cellular immunity. Diabetes, pregnancy, progesterone therapy and intensive antibiotic treatment that eliminate the normal bacterial flora are among the predisposing factors. The mucosa is affected most often, less frequently the outer skin and inner organs (deep candidiasis). In oral cavity infections, a white, stubbornly adherent coating is seen on the cheek mucosa and tongue. Skin is mainly infected on the moist, warm parts of the body. Pathomorphologically similar to oral soor is vulvovaginitis.

Candida can spread to cause secondary infections of the lungs, kidneys and other organs. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is observed as a sequel to damage of the cellular immune system.

Systemic fungal infections have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In addition, hospital-related infections in patients not previously considered at risk (e.g. patients on an intensive care unit) have become a cause of major health concern.

Infections may be diagnosed by

• Microscopy: Determination of fungi in dermal smears
• Serology: Determination of specific antibodies based on the ELISA-technique

ANTIGENS

Purified antigens from Candida albicans

SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

COMMERCIAL PRODUCT