Identification of a Novel 74-Kilodalton Immunodominant Antigen ofPythium insidiosumRecognized by Sera from Human Patients with Pythiosis

• DOI: 10.1128/jcm.44.5.1674-1680.2006
• Publication Date: 2006-05-04T02:48:14Z
• Authors: Theerapong Krajaejun; Mongkol Kunakorn; Rungnapa Pracharktam; Piriyaporn Chongt...; Boonmee Sathapata...; Angkana Chaiprasert; Nongnuch Vanittan...; Ariya Chindamporn; Piroon Mootsikapun
• Keywords: Pythium

ABSTRACT The oomycetous, fungus-like, aquatic organism Pythium insidiosum is the etiologic agent of pythiosis, a life-threatening infectious disease humans and animals that has been increasingly reported from tropical, subtropical, temperate countries. Human pythiosis endemic in Thailand, most patients present with arteritis, leading to limb amputation and/or death, or cornea ulcer, enucleation. Diagnosis time-consuming difficult. Radical surgery main treatment for because conventional antifungal drugs are ineffective. aims this study were evaluate use Western blotting diagnosis human identify specific immunodominant antigens P. , increase understanding humoral immune responses against pathogen. We performed blot analysis on 16 isolates using 12 serum samples. These specimens derived who had different forms infection lived geographic areas throughout Thailand. have identified 74-kDa antigen all tested. was also recognized by sera but not control healthy individuals, thalassemia, various diseases, indicating could facilitate pythiosis. Therefore, potential target developing rapid serodiagnostic tests as well therapeutic vaccine advances lead early effective treatment, crucial factors better prognosis