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Monoclonal Antibodies Can Aid in the Culture-Based Detection and Differentiation of Mucorales Fungi—The Flesh-Eating Pathogens Apophysomyces and Saksenaea as an Exemplar

Summary

Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool using specially designed antibodies to quickly identify dangerous flesh-eating fungi (Apophysomyces and Saksenaea) that cause severe infections. These fungi are particularly difficult to diagnose because they don’t produce spores on standard laboratory cultures. The new test can identify these pathogens in just 24-48 hours, much faster than traditional methods, which is critical since these infections progress rapidly and require immediate treatment. This advancement is especially important for hospitals in developing countries where expensive diagnostic equipment is unavailable.

Background

Mucormycosis is a lethal angio-invasive fungal disease caused by Mucorales fungi, with Apophysomyces and Saksenaea species responsible for necrotizing cutaneous and soft tissue infections. These pathogens are notorious for their failure to sporulate on standard mycological media, complicating identification and delaying appropriate treatment. Sophisticated diagnostic technologies are limited in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating improved culture-based detection methods.

Objective

To develop a monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay for rapid detection and differentiation of Apophysomyces species from Saksenaea species and Aspergillus fumigatus. The study aimed to create culture-based diagnostic methods applicable to resource-limited settings.

Results

mAb JD4 demonstrated genus-specific binding to a heat-labile 15 kDa protein present in all four Apophysomyces species tested (A. elegans, A. mexicanus, A. ossiformis, A. variabilis) without cross-reactivity with Saksenaea species or Aspergillus fumigatus. Combined with a Mucorales-specific LFIA (TG11-LFD), the antibody successfully differentiated non-sporulating Apophysomyces and Saksenaea species from A. fumigatus in culture-based assays within 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

mAb JD4 provides a practical diagnostic tool for differentiating Apophysomyces from other clinically relevant fungal pathogens in culture-based systems. When combined with rapid LFIA tests, this approach offers improved sensitivity and specificity for mucormycosis detection in resource-limited settings where culture remains the gold-standard procedure.
  • Published in:Antibodies (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental/Diagnostic Development Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41133679, DOI: 10.3390/antib14040085
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