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Detection of an antigenic cell wall layer inHistoplasma capsulatum

An immunoelectron microscopic study

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Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum yeast cells have been studied by immunoelectron microscopy using rabbit polyclonal antisera and a biotin-avidin-peroxidase detection system. An antigenic surface layer has been visualized in the cell wall of immunostained organisms. This layer was not seen in samples prepared by standard electron microscopic methods or in negative controls used with the immunocytochemical technique. Without immunostaining the cell wall ofHistoplasma appeared almost transparent. In contrast, after immunoperoxidase staining the cell wall was conspicuous, bounded by the darkly stained outer layer. This electron dense layer, appeared to be a reservoir of surface antigens that were recognized by anti-Histoplasma antibodies.

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Abbreviations

CHHA:

Cystine-heart-hemoglobin agar

PBS:

phosphate buffered saline

Ig:

immunoglobulin

TBS:

Tris buffered saline

DAB:

3,3′-diaminobenzidine tetrachloride

FITC:

fluorescein isothiocyanate

M199:

tissue culture medium 199, according to Morgan et al. (1950)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, 12201, Albany, NY

    Mercedes R. Edwards

  2. VA Medical Center and Albany Medical College, 12208, Albany, NY, USA

    Katherine E. Fritz

Authors
  1. Mercedes R. Edwards
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  2. Katherine E. Fritz
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Edwards, M.R., Fritz, K.E. Detection of an antigenic cell wall layer inHistoplasma capsulatum . Arch. Microbiol. 142, 242–247 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00693397

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00693397

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