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Characterization of the Spatiotemporal Localization of a Pan-Mucorales–Specific Antigen During Germination and Immunohistochemistry

Summary

Researchers developed a new diagnostic test using a special antibody that can detect Mucorales fungi, which cause a serious infection called mucormycosis. The antibody glows to mark growing fungal threads in tissue samples, helping doctors identify the infection early and distinguish it from other mold infections like Aspergillus. This breakthrough could significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of this aggressive fungal disease.

Background

Mucormycosis is an aggressive invasive fungal infection caused by molds in the order Mucorales with high mortality rates. Early diagnosis is critical for improving patient outcomes but currently relies on insensitive culture or nonspecific histopathology. A pan-Mucorales-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb TG11) was recently developed to address this diagnostic challenge.

Objective

This study investigates the spatiotemporal localization of the TG11 antigen and evaluates the specificity of the mAb for immunohistochemistry to differentiate Mucorales from other fungal infections. The research aims to characterize early antigen detection during spore germination and invasive hyphal growth across clinically important Mucorales species.

Results

TG11 antigen was first detectable at the emerging hyphal tip and along the length of growing hyphae in all Mucorales species except Saksenaea. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy confirmed mAb TG11 binding to the hyphal cell wall. The TG11 mAb successfully stained Mucorales but not Aspergillus hyphae in infected murine lung tissue, demonstrating diagnostic specificity.

Conclusion

TG11 detects early hyphal growth and has significant potential for diagnosing mucormycosis by enhancing discriminatory detection of Mucorales in tissue. The antigen is the first potential pan-Mucorales-specific marker for active Mucorales growth, providing a novel opportunity to differentiate invasive Mucorales infections from other fungal pathogens.
  • Published in:Journal of Infectious Diseases,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: 10.1093/infdis/jiae375, PMID: 39126323
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