Abstract
Serum IFN-γ levels were studied in adult patients with chronic oral candidosis, associated with Candida albicans infection. In the group of patients, mean serum IFN-γ levels (2·74 ± 4·65 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-γ 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-γ 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.