Diagnosis of systemic candidiasis: application of co-counterimmunoelectrophoresis.

The accuracy of co-counterimmunoelectrophoresis was compared with mycological and clinical data for different groups of inpatients. The specificity and sensitivity of this method ranged from 100 to 69%. The co-specific precipitin line was observed during systemic infections caused by most opportunistic Candida species. The variations in the line in successive serum samples provided a simple means of serological surveillance. The test also detected seroconversion. The gradual disappearance of the line reflected a favourable prognosis, whereas its abrupt disappearance indicated unfavourable prognosis and correlated with the appearance of detectable circulating antigens.