Candida albicans
The test designed for Candida albicans DNA detection in human biological material by real-time PCR.
Candida albicans
Candida albicans are opportunistic yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Under natural conditions, C. albicans colonize the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract, serving as members of the normal human microbiota. However, a decrease in the immune response and disruption of the microbiota balance trigger the transition of C. albicans from a yeast form to an invasive filamentous form, leading to the development of a local or systemic infectious inflammatory process.
Pathogenicity factors influencing the pathogenesis of candidiasis include adhesion to the surface of epithelial cells, production of phospholipases and proteinases, secreted aspartyl proteases (Sap), subsequent active hyphal invasion, biofilm formation, and phenotypic switching. One of the most important virulence factors is the toxin candidalysin, which possesses lytic activity.
Candida albicans, along with other closely related Candida species, is the primary causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a multifactorial infectious disease of the lower female genital tract. Unlike other forms of candidiasis, VVC affects immunocompetent and otherwise healthy women, predominantly during their reproductive years. Symptomatic infection can result from pronounced inflammation of the mucous membrane, primarily caused by excessive microbial growth in the vagina, subsequent epithelial invasion, and the production of virulence factors. Risk factors for VVC include antibiotic use, immunosuppressive therapy, use of high-estrogen oral contraceptives, sexual activity, pregnancy, use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
The highest prevalence of VVC is observed among pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. This is associated with decreased cellular immunity, elevated estrogen levels, and increased glycogen production, which promote yeast colonization of the vagina. VVC during pregnancy may be linked to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, low birth weight, and postpartum infections.
Among yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, nearly all clinically significant species, including Candida albicans, form biofilms. The presence of a biofilm on the mucous membrane (a highly resistant and impermeable structure to most antimicrobial agents) may explain the ineffectiveness of antifungal drugs, serve as a reservoir for persisting cells, and be a cause of a chronic, recurrent infectious inflammatory process with a refractory course. PCR diagnostics, when candidiasis is suspected, enables the detection of Candida albicans DNA at early stages of infection, facilitates timely prescription of target therapy, and allows for monitoring of treatment efficacy.
Indications
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White curdy discharge from genital tract or urethra -
Itching, burning and hyperemia of urogenital tract mucous membranes -
Chronic recurrent inflammatory process -
Suspected candidiasis of various localization -
Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy -
Immunodeficiencies -
Assessment of therapy efficacy and treatment outcomes
Candida albicans
The Candida albicans test is designed for Candida albicans DNA detection in human biological material by real-time PCR. The kit can be used in clinical diagnostic laboratories of medical institutions and in research practice.
Biomaterial: epithelial cell swabs from urogenital tract, oropharynx, rectum, conjunctiva of the eye), urine, prostate fluid.
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Please note that the specialists of the DNA Technology company provide consultations exclusively to medical specialists on the application and research features. Requests related to the appointment, delivery, or interpretation of tests are not considered. For relevant information, we recommend contacting the laboratory directly.