Immunofluorescent studies on Candida albicans.

The indirect immunofluorescent titres of Candida albicans 0656 CBS hyperimmune rabbit serum were investigated against C. albicans antigens prepared from strains originating from mucous membranes of healthy persons and patients with thrush. Using pathogenic strains as antigens, a definitely strong fluorescent reaction was obtained with hyperimmune rabbit serum in a dilution of 1 : 2500. In the case of apathogenic strains the fluorescent reaction was either very weak or negative in a dilution of 1 : 2000. Absorption studies also seemed to reveal a difference in reactivity between pathogenic and apathogenic strains. Hyperimmune rabbit serum absorbed with apathogenic C. albicans strains showed a positive fluorescent reaction only with pathogenic ones as antigens. In the opposite case a negative reaction was obtained.