| Detection and characterization of fungal antigens is an important step towards developing an understanding of fungi related disease. Using mass spectrometry and ELISA, a fungal antigen from Stachybotrys chartarum sensu lato and an allergen from Aspergillus fumigatus has been characterized. The S. chartarum protein SchS21 has been identified as a DNase while the SchS34 is of unknown function. Mass spectrum analysis of the SchS21 and SchS34 proteins has identified that these proteins are glycosylated, possibly with high mannose glycans. The SchS34 ELISA was optimized to provide the lowest achievable detection limit. ELISA analysis in dust has demonstrated that 0.2 ng SchS/g sieved house dust (105 spores) is the limit of detection for the SchS34 assay while 1 ng Asp fl/g sieved house dust (107 spores) for the commercially available Asp fl assay. Detection of SchS on S. chartarum contaminated drywall and swab was accomplished for both experimental and field samples. Lastly, it was shown that EDTA, THP and conidial disruption have a positive effect on Asp fl recovery from A. fumigatus spores. |
