Increased serum and salivary immunoglobulins against Candida albicans in HIV-infected patients with oral candidiasis

Clin Chem Lab Med. 2001 Jun;39(6):519-26. doi: 10.1515/CCLM.2001.087.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore anti-Candida albicans systemic and mucosal humoral responses against Candida virulence antigens such as somatic antigen and secreted aspartic proteases (Saps) in HIV-infected patients with oral candidiasis. Twenty-eight subjects were included in the study: 11 HIV-positive patients without oral candidiasis (group A), 6 HIV-positive patients with oral candidiasis (group B) and 11 HIV-negative healthy controls (group C). Total IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations and antibodies to C. albicans (somatic antigen, Sap1, Sap6) were measured in serum and saliva. We developed a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay with biotin and europium-labeled streptavidin for this purpose. Salivary total IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations were higher in group B. IgA, IgG and IgM anti-C. albicans antibodies (against somatic antigen, Sap1, Sap6) were higher in saliva and serum from patients from group B compared with patients from group A and controls. Our results suggest that, in oral candidiasis, HIV-infected patients have a high mucosal response, specifically directed against C. albicans virulence antigens, such as somatic antigen, Sap1 and Sap6.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / immunology*
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood*
  • Antibodies, Fungal / metabolism*
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / immunology
  • Candida albicans / enzymology
  • Candida albicans / immunology*
  • Candida albicans / pathogenicity
  • Candidiasis, Oral / complications*
  • Candidiasis, Oral / immunology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Saliva / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases