Candida Immune Complex Antibody Screen

The Candida Immune Complex Antibody Screen is a specific blood test that provides a high degree of reliability in the diagnosis of Candida immune complex syndrome or Candida-related complex. Many times, a symptom complex consistent with gas, bloating, constipation, colon spasticity or irritability, pruritus ani (itchy anus), recurrent infections, bladder sensitivities or a history of antibiotic use, birth control pill use or cortisone use can lead to a specific symptom complex known as Candida - related complex, or CRC.

In the past, laboratory assessment of the immune sensitivity to Candida has been difficult. More recently, a better definitive test has been created using antibodies to Candida immune complexes. Immune complexes are generally considered to be present in direct proportion to the Candida antigen load. This test also screens for elevated IgM Candida levels (which suggest an active or recent infection), IgG levels (which may suggest a past infection) and IgA levels (which will be elevated in patients having localized infection of the mucosal tissues, such as mouth or vaginal area). IgG antibodies can persist for many years after the infection has occurred. IgM antibodies are generally more transient and, therefore, are only present for a short period of time. Through these four specific types of information (IgM, IgG, IgA and Candida-immune complex screen), we can obtain an accurate assessment relating to the diagnosis of Candida-related complex.

Patients who have elevations on this laboratory testing are candidates for immunoaugmentative therapy. We would suggest specific nutritional intervention to help balance the immune system, to normalize the bacterial or floral populations in the digestive track and, possibly, anti-fungal therapy or medicines that are used to treat fungal infections to help reduce the fungal load on the body. When treated, many people note a significant improvement in digestion, mental clarity, physical energy, a reduction in allergic symptoms, and many other positive outcomes.

For specific questions, please contact the Advanced Medical Center.

Dale Guyer, M.D.