Purification and characterization of a mycelial catalase from Scedosporium boydii, a useful tool for specific antibody detection in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Scedosporium boydii is an opportunistic filamentous fungus which may be responsible for a wide variety of infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. This fungus belongs to the Scedosporium apiospermum species complex, which usually ranks second among the filamentous fungi colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and may lead to allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses, sensitization, or respiratory infections. Upon microbial infection, host phagocytic cells release reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, as part of the antimicrobial response.

Efficient diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis by use of a new rapid immunochromatography test.

The clinical symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are nonspecific, and misdiagnosis is common, leading to a delay in the initiation of antifungal treatment. We evaluated a new immunochromatography test (ICT), the CandiVagi assay (SR2B, Avrille, France), for the rapid diagnosis of VVC. This test, which employs an immunoglobulin M antibody directed against the beta-1,2-mannopyranosyl epitopes found in the yeast cell wall, was compared with direct microscopic examination and culture of vaginal swabs.

Recognition of Candida albicans Als3 by the germ tube-specific monoclonal antibody 3D9.3.

Monoclonal antibody 3D9.3 (MAb 3D9.3) reacts with the surface of Candida albicans germ tubes and recognizes a protein epitope.

Ultrastructural and Immunochemical Changes During the In Vitro Development of Plasmopara halstedii.

ABSTRACT The asexual phase of the life cycle of Plasmopara halstedii, the causal agent of downy mildew of sunflower, plays a key role in the propagation of the disease. We investigated the morphological and ultrastructural changes that occur during the asexual development of the pathogen. Direct examination of infected cotyledons confirmed the presence of sporangiophores.

Predictive value of oral colonization by Candida yeasts for the onset of a nosocomial infection in elderly hospitalized patients.

The incidence of nosocomial yeast infections has increased markedly in recent decades, especially among the elderly. The present study was therefore initiated not only to determine the predictive value of oral colonization by yeasts for the onset of a nosocomial Candida infection in elderly hospitalized patients (> 65 years), but also to clarify the factors that promote infection and to establish a relationship between the intensity of oral carriage and the onset of yeast infection. During this prospective cohort study, 256 patients (156 women and 100 men with a mean age of 83 +/- 8 years) were surveyed for yeast colonization or infection.