Detection of candida serum precipitins by counterimmunoelectrophoresis: an adjunct in determining significant candidiasis.

We report our experience with the use of counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the detection and quantitation of candida serum precipitins in 164 patients. Group I consisted of 24 patients with significant candidiasis; group II consisted of 97 patients with either colonization or transient candidemia; and group III consisted of 43 subjects with noncandida systemic mycoses, bacterial infections, and normal controls. Prospective studies were done in ten patients. Double immunodiffusion was performed in all cases. Ratios of counterimmunoelectrophoresis precipitin detection were significantly different between groups I and II and groups I and III (P less than 0.001). Precipitin titers of 1:8 or greater were found more often in group I as compared to group II or III (P less than 0.001). All prospectively studied patients who developed significant candidiasis had peak precipitin titers of greater than or equal to 1:8(greater than fourfold titer increase) during the period of observation. Quantitation of candida serum precipitins by counterimmunoelectrophoresis is helpful in diagnosing significant candidiasis.