Anti-Candida albicans precipitating antibodies in the sera of surgery patients.

In healthy subjects and in subjects undergoing surgical intervention for neoplastic and other diseases, the behaviour of precipitating antibodies against soluble Candida albicans natigens was studied. In 13,7% of healthy controls the Ouchterlony test was positive. In subjects suffering from intestinal tract neoplasia, the percentage of positive tests was 26,6% before and 66,6% after the intervention. In other two groups of patients affected by neoplasia, the per cent positive results of the tests after intervention were, respectively, 50% and 63,1%. Among non neoplastic patients undergoing surgical treatment, after intervention 35% too proved positive. The data were confirmed by P.E.T. (partigen elution test): specific anti-Candida IgG, and in some cases IgA, could be demonstrated. The diagnostic value of positive Ouchterlony's test against superficial soluble Candida antigens after surgical intervention has been discussed.