Candida albicans - diagnosis

Description

Until recently, there was a lack of reliable laboratory investigation techniques to assist physicians in diagnosing Candida albicans over-proliferation.  This situation has now changed and physicans no longer need to rely on detailed symptoms questionnaires which are unreliable.

Gut Fermentation Tests

 A resting blood alcohol level is measured.

 Then a second sample is analysed after ingestion of a sugar dose.

 If alcohol appears in the Blood, this suggests fermentation is taking place (an indication of Candida albicans over-proliferation).

 The test has been further refined to look for a number of different fermentation products.  However, this test does not give any information regarding what is doing the fermenting, as there is increasing evidence that many Bacteria can provide such a fermentation reaction.  This type of test is not always positive for individuals with a confirmed Candida infection.

Candida Stool Culture Tests

 As Candida albicans is present in the Gastrointestinal Tract, it is possible to culture (grow it) from a stool sample.

 Using a special culture medium and the right anaerobic conditions (reduced oxygen), Candida albicans can be grown and identified.

 Some laboratories go further to try to quantify the relative amounts of Candida albicans present.  This is a very difficult and inexact procedure: