Serum interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in chronic oral candidosis.

Serum IFN-gamma levels were studied in adult patients with chronic oral candidosis, associated with Candida albicans infection. In the group of patients, mean serum IFN-gamma levels (2.74+/-465 pg ml(-1)) were significantly lower than in healthy individuals (9.80+/-1.68 pg ml(-1)). In analysis of the C. albicans strains isolated from lesions in the patients, their ability was estimated to secrete proteinases. Serum IFN-gamma levels failed to correlate with infections induced by proteinase-producing C. albicans. The results allowed us to conclude that Candida infection may be associated with an insufficient IFN-gamma response of the host, which seems to result in chronic conversion of candidosis. Proteolytic activity of C. albicans strains in vitro is not related to virulence of the strains.