Immunoglobulin classes of human serum antibodies in vaginal candidiasis.

The titre and immunoglobulin class of antibodies against Candida albicans in serum from 60 non-pregnant women was determined. IgG titres up to 1 : 32, IgA titres up to 1 : 8, and IgM titres up to 1 : 4 were detected in 30 women with vaginal candidiasis. Similar titres were found in 20 women harbouring yeasts in the mouth or rectum, and in 10 women who were not harbouring yeasts in the vagina, mouth or rectum. Serum fractionation confirmed that antibodies to C. albicans are found in the three immunoglobulin classes and that those antibodies reside in highest titre in the IgG class. No secretory IgA antibodies against C. albicans were detected in the serum of these women.