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Studies on antigens from agents causing black grain eumycetoma

H Romero1, D W Mackenzie

  • 1Universidad de Los Andes, Merida, Venezuela.

Journal of Medical and Veterinary Mycology : Bi-Monthly Publication of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology
|January 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Black grain eumycetoma fungal agents were compared using immunodiffusion techniques. Madurella grisea and Pyrenochaeta mackinnonii showed significant antigenic similarity, suggesting they may be identical.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Black grain eumycetoma is a serious fungal infection.
  • Accurate identification of causative agents is crucial for treatment.
  • Previous classifications relied on morphology, which can be unreliable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the antigenic profiles of various black grain eumycetoma agents.
  • To investigate the antigenic relationships between different fungal species.
  • To aid in the accurate identification and classification of eumycetoma pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of culture filtrate and cellular antigens from 14 fungal agents.
  • Double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis assays were performed.
  • Antigenic cross-reactivity was quantified as percentage homology after absorption.

Main Results:

  • High cross-reactivity (up to 90%) observed within Madurella grisea isolates and between M. grisea and Pyrenochaeta mackinnonii.
  • Limited antigenic similarity between M. grisea and Madurella mycetomatis.
  • Leptosphaeria senegalensis showed partial homology with M. grisea and P. mackinnonii.
  • Five unidentified isolates exhibited strong antigenic similarity to M. grisea and P. mackinnonii.

Conclusions:

  • Madurella grisea and Pyrenochaeta mackinnonii are antigenically similar, potentially representing the same species.
  • Antigenic analysis provides a valuable tool for differentiating eumycetoma agents.
  • This study aids in clarifying the taxonomy of black grain eumycetoma pathogens.

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