Recurrent cutaneous or mucosal candidiasis is characterized by the occurrence of at least four candidiasis episodes within a one-year period. The factors involved in recurrence of infection are still unknown. In the present study the lymphoproliferative response and the IFN-g production by candidiasis patients were evaluated. The stimulation index of mononuclear cell cultures of candidiasis patients stimulated with Candida albicans antigen, PPD and TT were 6±8, 17±20 and 65±30, respectively. The addition of monoclonal antibody anti-IL-10 to Candida albicans antigen stimulated cultures raised the lymphoproliferative response from 735±415 to 4143±1746 cpm. The IFN-g production by cells of candidiasis patients stimulated with Candida albicans antigen was 162±345pg/ml. Candidiasis patients have an impairment in the lymphoproliferative response specific to C. albicans antigen and on IFN-g production and the lymphoproliferative response can be partially restored, in vitro, by IL-10 neutralization.
Candidiasis; Lymphoproliferation; IFN-g; Candida albicans
