Fungal Detection Using Mannan Epitope

Abstract

Non-invasive methods are provided herein for diagnosing samples as including a fungus, including fungal infection or contamination, with specific monoclonal antibodies capable of detecting molecules associated with fungi in the sample, such as a biological or environmental sample. These molecules can be identified using various methods, including but not limited to antibody based methods, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), or a lateral flow immunoassay.

1 . A method of determining whether a sample contains a fungus, the method comprising:
 contacting a sample to be tested with an antibody that specifically binds the α-1,6 mannose backbone of fungal mannan and   assessing specific binding of the antibody to α-1,6 mannose in the sample,   wherein, when the antibody specifically binds the α-1,6 mannose in the sample, the sample contains a fungus.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody is selected from the group consisting of a monoclonal antibody and a single chain scFv antibody. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is mAb 2DA6 comprising an amino acid sequence encoded by at least a light chain nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 of mAb 2DA6 or at least a heavy chain nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 of mAb 2DA6. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the monoclonal antibody is produced by a hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. PTA-123011. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the single chain antibody is scFv clone 11C16 comprising an amino acid sequence encoded by a light chain nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 5 and a heavy chain nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sample is selected from the group consisting of a plant, an animal, a building material, and a food. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein specific binding of the antibody to the α-1,6 mannose in the sample is assessed using a method selected from the group consisting of a lateral flow procedure, ELISA, and immunohistopathology. 
     
     
         8 .- 28 . (canceled)