Detection of anti-Candida antibodies by the indirect immunofluorescence assay in patients with cancer in the orofacial region

Abstract
An indirect immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect antibodies toCandida albicans blastospores and germ tubes. Serum specimens were obtained from 82 patients with neoplastic diseases in the orofacial region and thrush of the oral mucosa.C. albicans was identified in the oral cavity of 63 patients investigated but serum anti-Candida antibodies were detected in only 23 of them. Serological examination showed that titers of antibodies toC. albicans blastospores ranged from 1∶20 to 1∶1280. High titers from 1∶640 to 1∶1280 were detected in patients without antibiotic, cytostatic, or radiotherapeutic treatment. The titers of antibodies toC. albicans germ tubes ranged from 1∶20 to 1∶640. Our results indicate that titers of antibodies to theC. albicans germ tubes were lower and were detected in a smaller number of patients.