Epidemiologie der Candida-Endomykosen

Author(s): Dumrese, J.

Abstract: Infections caused by yeasts of the genus Candida have shown a steady increase in the past decades. The use of antibiotics and immuno suppressive treatment may encourage the development of Candida infections. Also a weakening of host defense rnechanisms in relation to chronic disorders or environmental pollutants has to be considered. Since the clinical "symptoms of Candidosis are non-specific laboratory method, can play an essential role in the establishment of a diagnosis. Isolation of Candida from stool sampies is a common method and a positive culture is an important factor in the diagnosis of a candida infection. However, this is not necessarily the diagnosis of discase. lt may only reflect asymptomatic colonization. Beside microbiological diagnosis the testing of specific antibodies to Candida albicans and further more the detection of Candida albicans-antigen in the blood gains more and more interest,The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the determination of Candida albicans antigen and antibodies to Candida albicans in relation to microbiolo-gical diagnosis and clinical status. A specific symptomatology associated with Candida infection was not evaluable in this study. In 56 volunteers Candida albicans-antigen and IgA-, IgG- and IgM-antibodies were determined by ELISAtests. Additional stool samples as well as throat swabs were used for microbiological diagnosis. None of the volunteers had a positive Candida albicans-antigen testing in the serum. 40 persons (71,5%) exhibited increased antibody levels and/or a positive culture.Refering to these 40 volunteers 22 (55%) had a positive culture. On the other hand 18 (45%) were conspicuous due to negative culture, but increased antibodies to Candida in serum. This may point out that negative culture in stool and throat swab may not exclude Candida albicans infections. Results of our study suggest that serological tests must be included in the diagnosis of Candida infection.

Keyword(s): Candida-Mykosen

Zurück | Weiter