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Immunocytochemical detection of Candida albicans in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded material
D W Williams1, H S Jones, R T Allison
1Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, Dental School, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
Insights
The 1B12 monoclonal antibody effectively identifies Candida albicans in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. This diagnostic tool aids in understanding the role of Candida species in oral candidosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen.
- Accurate identification of Candida species in tissue is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are standard for histological examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the 1B12 monoclonal antibody for detecting Candida albicans.
- To assess the specificity and sensitivity of 1B12 in FFPE samples.
- To determine if 1B12 can identify C. albicans in clinical tissue samples.
Main Methods:
- Testing 20 strains of seven Candida species in agarose blocks with 1B12.
- Examining 16 FFPE tissue blocks with known fungal hyphae.
- Utilizing microwave antigen retrieval and a biotinylated/peroxidase detection system for immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- 1B12 specifically detected only C. albicans strains in agarose blocks.
- All FFPE tissue blocks showed positive hyphal structures with 1B12, confirming C. albicans presence.
- The antibody demonstrated high specificity for C. albicans.
Conclusions:
- The 1B12 antibody is a reliable tool for identifying C. albicans in FFPE tissues.
- This method can aid in diagnosing and understanding the pathogenesis of oral candidosis.
- Further research can clarify the role of specific Candida species in chronic hyperplastic candidosis.
Aim:
To assess the ability of the commercially available monoclonal antibody 1B12 (BioGenex, San Ramon, USA) to identify C albicans in formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded material (FFPE).
Methods:
Broth cultures of 20 strains of seven Candida species were resuspended in 4% agarose blocks, fixed in formalin for 24 hours, and embedded in paraffin wax. In addition, 16 blocks of FFPE tissue known to contain periodic acid-Schiff positive fungal hyphae were examined. Antigen retrieval involved microwave treatment of specimens in citrate buffer (0.01 M; pH 6.5) before addition of 1B12 antibody for 24 hours. Bound antibody was subsequently detected using a biotinylated link antibody and a peroxidase conjugated streptavidin.
Results:
Only C albicans strains were 1B12 positive in the agarose blocks. All FFPE tissue blocks were found to contain 1B12 positive hyphal structures, indicating the presence of C albicans.
Conclusions:
The ability to identify candida organisms penetrating the lesional tissue in cases of chronic hyperplastic candidosis will help to clarify the role of individual Candida spp in this important form of oral candidosis.
