m5 Candida albicans

Allergens within Molds and other Microorganisms

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  • Latin name: Candida albicans
  • Source material: Disrupted cells
Yeast
Candida-specific IgE antibodies have been demonstrated in asthma and rhinitis (1).

Allergen Exposure

C. albicans is common in soil, organic debris and in humans where it occurs as a saprophyte in the nasopharynx and feces.

Clinical Experience

The role of C. albicans as a cause of allergy has been much disputed. It may cause clinically significant infections, such as thrush in infants, skin infections in diabetic patients and sepsis in immuno-compromised patients.
 
Review
The yeast C. albicans is seldom met airborne. It is common in soil, organic debris and in humans where it occurs as a saprophyte in the nasopharynx and feces. It may cause clinically significant infections, such as thrush in infants, skin infections in diabetic patients and sepsis in immuno-compromised patients.
 
The role of C. albicans as a cause of allergy has been much disputed. Its universal distribution, infectious properties and readiness to provoke immunological response make the evaluation of potential hyper-sensitivities difficult. Candida-specific IgE antibodies have been demonstrated in asthma and rhinitis (1).
 
Savolainen et al. (2) found a major protein allergen (46 kD) and 15 other allergenic bands weighing between 16 and 135 kD which bound IgE. 10/13 atopic children had IgE towards the major protein.

References:

    1. Edge G, Pepys J. Antibodies in different immunoglobulin classes to Candida albicans in allergic respiratory disease. Clin Allergy (Clin Exp Allergy) 1980;10:47-58.
    2. Savolainen J, Viander M, Koivikko A. IgE-, IgA- and IgG-antibody responses to carbohydrate and protein antigens of Candida albicans in asthmatic children. Allergy 1990;45:54-63.

1992