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Antigenic studies on Rhizopus microsporus, Rh. rhizopodiformis, progeny and intermediates (Rh. chinensis)
L Polonelli1, G Dettori, G Morace
1Istituto di Microbiologia, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
Fourteen isolates belonging to Rhizopus microsporus, Rh. rhizopodiformis, the progeny of Rh. microsporus x Rh. rhizopodiformis and an intermediate species, Rh. chinensis, were serologically tested either by a modification of the exoantigen technique of Kaufman & Standard (1978) or by the more analytical cross immunoelectrophoresis technique with intermediate gel. Common antigenic determinants in the isolates studied indicated that the species, their progeny and the intermediate species Rh. chinensis, are antigenically very closely related. Through absorptions, a specific reference antiserum for Rh. microsporus was obtained. With this adsorbed monospecific antiserum, using the exoantigen test, the identity of the isolates in study, determined after their general morphology as Rh. microsporus, was confirmed. For comparative purposes, the use of reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography for the investigation of fungal isolates is also reported.
Insights
Serological testing revealed close antigenic relationships among Rhizopus microsporus, Rh. rhizopodiformis, their progeny, and Rh. chinensis. A specific antiserum confirmed the identity of Rh. microsporus isolates.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rhizopus species are important fungi with complex taxonomic relationships.
- Accurate identification of Rhizopus species is crucial for various applications.
- Previous studies have indicated potential antigenic similarities within the Rhizopus genus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To serologically investigate the antigenic relationships between Rhizopus microsporus, Rh. rhizopodiformis, their progeny, and Rh. chinensis.
- To develop a specific antiserum for Rh. microsporus identification.
- To compare serological methods with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for fungal isolate analysis.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing using a modified exoantigen technique and cross-immunoelectrophoresis.
- Antigen absorption techniques to obtain specific antisera.
- Morphological identification of fungal isolates.
- Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Common antigenic determinants were identified, indicating close antigenic relatedness among the studied Rhizopus isolates, their progeny, and Rh. chinensis.
- A specific reference antiserum for Rh. microsporus was successfully developed through antigen absorption.
- The adsorbed monospecific antiserum confirmed the identity of Rh. microsporus isolates previously identified by morphology.
- RP-HPLC provided comparative data for fungal isolate investigation.
Conclusions:
- Rhizopus microsporus, Rh. rhizopodiformis, their progeny, and Rh. chinensis share significant antigenic similarities.
- Serological methods, particularly the exoantigen test with specific antisera, are effective for accurate identification of Rhizopus species.
- Combining morphological, serological, and chromatographic techniques offers a comprehensive approach to Rhizopus taxonomy and identification.