[Development and current status of the serodiagnosis of candidiasis]

Present day knowledge of the antigen structure of Blastomyces and the availability of sensitive analytic methods have made serology a valuable aid in the diagnosis of candidiasis. Several factors are essential for correct interpretation: knowledge of the normal titer values obtained by the chosen method, or even better, when supervising patients at risk of mycosis, knowledge of the individual titer; monitoring titer fluctuation and the judicious combination of different methods. The use of Candida albicans as antigen source permits detection of the most common forms of candidiasis. In infections caused by C. krusei, C. pseudotropicalis, and C. guilliermondii, however, homologous antigens must be used to detect the antibodies. Serologic differentiation of mucosal from systemic mycosis is facilitated by detection of antibodies against the cell protein of the blastomycetes.