Identification of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis by indirect immunofluorescence

Objective The monoclonal antibody(MAb) 03.2C1-C2 against germ tube of Candida albicans(C. albicans) was used to identify the two closely related species C. albicans and C .dubliniensis.Methods MAb03.2C1C2 was prepared via hybridoma technique. Different liquid cultures were used to induce the formation of germ tube or mycelium. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test was used to detect whether there were antigens on the surface of the Candida dubliniensis mycelium.Eighty-one smear specimens of oral candidiasis was deteceted by IIF test to be C. albicans.Results The germ tube or mycelium could be induced with the highest efficiency after 6 hours in the 1640 culture under 37℃.MAb03.2C1-C2 was shown by IIF to be specific to the surface of the germ tube of C. albicans. No other Candida species was observed, including spore or mycelium,to react with MAb03.2C1-C2.Conclusion This anti-C.albicans cell wall surface-specific monoclonal antibody may be a good candidate in test for the rapid differentiation of the two closely related species C. albicans and C .dubliniensis.