Detection and quantitation of antifungal SIgA antibodies in body fluids

The measurement of antibodies in the external secretions that bathe mucosal surfaces is important in understanding the host response to the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans and its determinants of pathogenesis at these sites. The principal immunoglobulin isotype in mucosal secretions is secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Unlike the circulatory system, mucosal surfaces are open systems in which the concentrations of immune factors are affected by diurnal variation, changes in flow rate, complex formation with mucins, and other variables. Thus, it is necessary to control these factors if meaningful data are to be obtained. This chapter outlines methods for the measurement of anti-Candida SIgA antibodies in primary units and shows how to control the factors that influence antibody measurement in external secretions.