Anti-Candida antibody levels in psoriasis vulgaris.

Recent reports have suggested a role of Candida colonization of gut in psoriatic patients. In this study, intestinal yeasts and anti-candida immune response were investigated in 39 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Anti-candida antibodies were determined by indirect haemagglutination (IHAT) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) tests. Stool specimens showed 93pc C. albicans colonization but none of the patients showed clinical candidiasis. Four patients showed an increased IHAT titer and six patients showed an increased IFAT titer, the others were all in normal limits. Anti-Candida antibody titers did not correlate with PASI (Psoriasis area and severity index) scores.