Anti-Candidaalbicans germ tube antibodies reduce in vitro growth and biofilm formation of C. albicans.

Background: Invasive candidiasis by Candida albicans is associated with high morbidity and mortality, due in part to the late implementation of an appropriate antifungal therapy hindered by the lack of an early diagnosis.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of the antibodies against C. albicans germ tubes (CAGTA) raised in a rabbit model of candidemia.

Cyclophilin and enolase are the most prevalent conidial antigens of Lomentospora prolificans recognized by healthy human salivary IgA and cross-react with Aspergillus fumigatus.

Purpose: The study of the immunocompetent airways immune response may provide important information to improve the therapeutic efficacy against Lomentospora (Scedosporium) prolificans. So, this study aimed to identify the most prevalent conidial antigens of this multiresistant fungus recognized by healthy human salivary immunoglobulin A, and to study their expression and cross-reactivity with other fungal species.

Experimental Design: Twenty saliva from immunocompetent donors were used to detect and identify the immunoreactive proteins by 2D immunoblotting and LC-MS/MS.

Identification of superficial Candida albicans germ tube antigens in a rabbit model of disseminated candidiasis. A proteomic approach.

The diagnosis of invasive candidiasis remains a clinical challenge. The detection by indirect immunofluorescence of Candida albicans germ-tube-specific antibodies (CAGTA), directed against germ-tube surface antigens, is a useful diagnostic tool that discriminates between colonization and invasion. However, the standardization of this technique is complicated by its reliance on subjective interpretation.

Candida antigens and immune responses: implications for a vaccine.

Superficial candidiasis of the oral cavity, vagina and the skin are common mild infections though they may be recalcitrant, as in the case of recurrent vaginitis or denture stomatitis. However, in debilitated people with immune deficiencies, Candida can cause serious invasive infections with high mortality. Both types of patients could benefit from the development of vaccines and monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies of utility for a passive immunization, according to their immune status.

Scedosporium prolificans immunomes against human salivary immunoglobulin A.

The filamentous fungus Scedosporium prolificans is an emerging multidrug resistant pathogen related to serious infections mainly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Considering that it is frequently isolated from anthropic environments and penetrates mainly through the airways, the human mucosal immune system may play an important protective role against S. prolificans.

Potential of anti-Candida antibodies in immunoprophylaxis.

The need for new options for the treatment of invasive candidiasis has fuelled the use of antibodies in combination with conventional antifungal therapy. After a long period of time in which antibodies were considered irrelevant in the resistance against invasive candidiasis, it was demonstrated that a number of antibodies or their engineered derivatives directed against Candida albicans cell-wall polysaccharides and glycopeptides, as well as against some protein epitopes, confer protection against invasive candidiasis. This has confirmed this approach as a new strategy for the prophylaxis of invasive candidiasis.

[Selection and implantation of yeast strains of genus Saccharomyces at a winery regulated by Appellation Contrôlée "Chacolí de Vizcaya/Bizkaiko Txakolina"].

The white wine Chacolía de Vizcaya/Bizkaiko Txakolina is characteristic from The Basque Country region and regulated under Appellation Contrôlée standards (BOPV 14/6/94). The objective of this study was the identification and selection of autochthonous yeast strains, to improve the conditions used to maintain the typical characteristics of this region wines. Yeasts identified as Saccharomyces bayanus isolated around these fields from 1996 to 1998, were subjected to a selective procedure based on enological characteristics and fermentative behaviour.

In vitro survival and germination of Candida albicans in the presence of nitrogen compounds.

The in vitro effect of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrite on blastoconidia and hyphae of Candida albicans was studied. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) were used as NO donors. Both minimal and complex media at two pH values, 7.