The Role of Candida albicans in Immune Modulation: Biomarkers and Cytokine Profiles in Invasive Infections | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||||
| Volume 35, Issue 2, April 2026 | ||||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.405645.1787 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Kadhim H.A. Al-Ameri1; Hayder A. Ali2; Sura S. Malih2; Qasim M. Al-Taher1; Osama A. Mohsein  3
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| 1Science Department, College of Basic Education, University of Sumer, Iraq | ||||
| 2Pathological Analyses Department, College of Science, University of Sumer. Thi-Qar | ||||
| 3Thi-Qar Health Directorate, Al Habbobi Teaching Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background. Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can evade host immune responses, leading to invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Objective: The aim of the study is to Investigate the role of Candida albicans in immune modulation by analyzing biomarkers and cytokines profiles in invasive infections. Methodology. A case-control study from (January, 2024 – March, 2025) at Nasiriyah General Hospital included 100 patients with invasive Candida albicans infections and 50 healthy controls. Diagnoses were confirmed by specialists, and ethical consent was obtained. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected for CBC (Sysmex XN-1000, Japan) and biomarkers (CRP, PCT, Ferritin, S100, β-D-Glucan) were measured using Abbott (Roche, German). Cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10) were analyzed via ELISA (R&D Systems, USA). Results: The results revealed differences in socio-demographic factors between patients (n=100) and controls (n=50). BMI and smoking rates were higher in patients, while physical activity was lower. Patients had significantly elevated cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10) and immune markers (CRP, PCT, Ferritin, S100, β-D-Glucan) compared to controls (p<0.001). WBC and neutrophil counts were higher, while lymphocytes were lower. No significant differences were found between genders. CRP levels correlated with symptoms severity, indicating an active immune response. Conclusions; The study confirms that Candida albicans infection triggers a significant immune response, evidenced by elevated cytokines, immune markers, and WBC counts. Increased IL-6 and CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation, while reduced lymphocytes suggest immune dysregulation. Body mass index and smoking may contribute to infection susceptibility and severity. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Candida albicans; Immune response; Cytokines; C-reactive protein; Inflammation | ||||
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