*2.2.1 Response of antibodies to Killed* C. albicans

Adherence of lymphocytes to a fungus is the first step in the direct lymphocytemediated anti- fungal effect against *C. albicans* [1]. Experimental study indicates that antibodies play an important role in host defense against disseminated candidiasis because individuals with defects in cell mediated immunity mechanisms are particularly prone to superficial but not disseminated candidiasis [28].

Therefore, humoral mediated immune response results in a significant elevated level of antibodies in Wister albino rats exposed to killed *C. albicans*. This could be as a result of recognition of the immunogenic proteins and glycoproteins on the cell surface and subsequent stimulation of memory cells to produce significant quantity of antibodies on a second encounter of similar antigens on killed *C. albicans* that are immunoprotective. According to Evron, [29], circulating antibodies in mice exposed to killed - *C. albicans* that are immunoprotective should be greater than 256 μg/m. Hence a concerted effort for more research to produce vaccines that can stimulate the release of even more antibodies in rats and subsequently in human are necessary.
