New immunofluorescent antibody test for diagnosis of candidiasis using macrophages-engulfed antigens as substrate

A new method for detection of antibodies to polysaccharidic antigens of Candida albicans is described. The method is based on the selective uptake of carbohydrate-rich antigens by mouse peritoneal macrophages, the antibodies being revealed by indirect immunofluorescence after incubation of fixed, antigen-containing macrophages with sera (MU/IFA test). This test shows greater sensitivity than counterimmunoelectrophoresis individuals. The combination of CIE using cytoplasmic antigens and MU/IFA using surface antigens and MU/IFA using surface antigens is useful in a considerable majority of cases for diagnosis of clinical infection.