The significance of Candida-specific serum IgE in recurrent vaginal candidiasis
Ratnam, K.V.; Lee, C.T.; Wong, T.W.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 16(2): 306-309
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 3688805 Document Number: 291160
Total and Candida-specific serum concentrations of IgE were studied in 21 patients who fulfilled the criteria for recurrent vaginal candidiasis, and 45 controls. The candida specific IgE levels were significantly higher in patients with recurrent vaginal candidiasis than the controls. There was no significant difference in the total IgE levels between the patients and the controls. IgE is postulated to inhibit the cellular immune response to Candida and thereby prevent the eradication of the organism. There may be a genetic basis for the increased serum IgE levels. Hyposensitisation may be an effective mode of therapy.