摘要 |
Methods and devices for the detection of proteins secreted by the pathogenic growth form of Candida species are disclosed. The disclosed devices may constitute a method for the diagnosis of acute or chronic infections, including candidiasis, caused by microorganisms of the Candida species, such as C. albicans, for example. The devices of the present invention incorporate antibodies specific to lipase proteins whose expression is differentiated upon the conversion of the Candida species from the commensal to the pathogenic form. The antibodies may be used in assays to allow the diagnosis of candidal infections and disease conditions. Either monoclonal antibodies or polyclonal antibodies may be used, and in the case of the monoclonals, the specific epitopes of the LIP protein may be detected as well as the LIP protein itself.
|