Fractionation of culture filtrate antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus

Polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and two-dimensional crossed immunoelectrophoresis (2D-CIE) of crude culture filtrate antigens prepared from three clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus revealed a striking similarity in the number and nature of their antigenic components, notwithstanding the wide differences in their total protein contents. The antigenic components, which are largely proteins and glycoproteins, varied from 9-10 in number depending on the isolate. A prominent glycoprotein band, common to all the three isolates, merits further purification and detailed study. The serodiagnostic value of culture filtrate antigens of A. fumigatus vis-a-vis mycelial antigens, has been discussed.