Detection of circulating antigen in experimental Candida albicans endocarditis by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract

A double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the detection of circulating C. albicans antigen during the course of experimental C. albicans endocarditis. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was positive in 75% of rabbits with polyethylene catheter-induced experimental aortic valve C. albicans endocarditis but was negative in all controls including catheterized animals that received i.v. Candida or catheterized but uninfected animals, and in rabbits with experimental fungal or bacterial endocarditis of other etiologies. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was much more sensitive than blood culturing or fever determinations in experimental C. albicans endocarditis. This assay is more sensitive than currently available serological techniques, is highly specific and deserves further study in the diagnosis of invasive, disseminated C. albicans infections, including endocarditis.