Funguria and Candida-specific immunoglobulins in patients with systemic candidosis

Funguria, indirect anti-Candida haemagglutination test (C-IHT) and Candida- specific immunoglobulins C-IgM, C-IgG and C-IgA were investigated under sus picion of systemic candidosis in critically ill patients. A total of 143 ur ine cultures were studied for Candida from 74 adults and a median count of log 3.0 CFU ml(-1) was found. Most isolated Candida species were Candida al bicans and Candida glabrata. In 14 cases of candidaemia there was no regula r agreement between the finding of Candida species in blood and urine. In c ases with candiduria greater than or equal to log 3.0 CFU ml(-1) a stronger increase of C-IHT titres and all three Candida-specific immunoglobulins af ter 5-7 days was observed. Some statistically significant correlations were found between the levels of urinary yeast counts and immunological paramet ers concerning C-IHT, C-IgA and C-IgG on the first day and after 5-7 days. Clinical findings in some cases coincided well with funguria and courses of titres before and after treatment. Conclusion: in critically ill patients suspected of having systemic candido sis not only blood cultures should be made. Cultural studies with specimens taken from different sites including funguria are essential for a complete specific serological investigation.