Total and Candida - Specific IgE in Recurrent Vaginal Candidiasis.

Total and candida specific serum IgE levels 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 when compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in the total IgE levels between patients and the controls. IgE is postulated to inhibit the cellular immune respsnse to candida and thereby prevent its eradication. There may be a genetic basis for the increased IgE levels.