[Solid-phase immunoenzyme analysis of Coccidioides immitis antigens].

A highly effective and specific solid-phase enzyme immunoassay system has been developed. The enzyme immunoassay is a highly sensitive technique for the detection and identification of C. immitis cellular and metabolic antigens.

[Transfer of cellular immunity to the causative agent of coccidioidosis using the transfer factor in mice].

Experiments conducted on non-linear mice demonstrated a possibility of transfer by the intact recipient of delayed hypersensitivity by means of Lawrence'transfer-factor from mice immunized with Coccidioides immitis. The transfer factor administered 48 hours before the intranasal infection protected mice from the lethal dose of coccidioides. This indicated that in coccidioidosis it was possible to transfer delayed hypersensitivity and cellular immunity with the transfer factor.

[Study of the conditions for protease formation by Coccidioides immitis].

The authors determined conditions for C. immitis protease synthesis during growing on various nutrient media. Four to five weeks could serve as the optimal period of protease formation.

[Immunochemical properties of the extracellular hydrolases (protease and alkaline phosphatase) of Coccidioides immitis].

Extracellular hydrolases (protease and alkaline phosphatase) of the coccidioidal fungus possessed antigenic properties and caused production of the corresponding antibodies. Phosphatase-antiphosphatase-substrate system apparently has future prospects for the elaboration of immunobiochemical methods for the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis.