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Are diagnostic tests for candida infections available in India?

Dr Anuj Sharma
World Health Organization,
Country Office for India,
New Delhi

Q: I am suffering from intestinal and visible oral candida infections. Are the following diagnostic tests available in India? Candida antibodies, D-Arabinose or D-Arabinol Urinary or Serum?

A:These investigations are not available as a routine as yet. Detection of Candida antibodies has been disappointing so far, and the detection of metabolites like D-arabinol has been shown to be useful, but impractical. The best diagnostic test for candida in most labs still depends on fungal microscopy (KOH mount) and culture.