A rapid and specific method for the immunological identification of mycelial form cultures ofParacoccidioides brasiliensis

We developed two simple methods for extracting specific, cell-free, soluble antigens of the mold form ofParacoccidioides brasiliensis. Detection of these antigens by a microimmunodiffusion test permits the rapid and accurate identification of cultures ofP. brasiliensis. ThirtyP. brasiliensis isolates treated by these techniques produced specific exoantigens detectable by the immunodiffusion test. None of the other 78 fungal pathogens or saprophytes tested produced identical exoantigens. Personnel in any diagnostic laboratory who want a rapid and specific method for identifying or confirming suspected isolates ofP. brasiliensis can use the simple procedures described.