ENCEPHALOCYTOZOON INTESTINALIS SPECIFIC MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES FOR LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF MICROSPORIDIOSIS

Two monoclonal antibodies which cn be used for the unambiguous identif ication by fluorescence microscopy of Encephalitozoon intestinalis spo res in clinical specimens are described, Monoclonal antibody Si91 is s pecific for the extruded polar filament, and Si13 recognizes the surfa ces off, intestinalis spores, No cross-reaction with spores of Encepha litozoon hellem was observed, Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed the specific reactivities of both antibodies, Combined in an indirect immunofluorescence assay, these antibodies are used to identify spore s in feces. although there was some cross-reaction with fecal bacteria and fungi, the typical morphology of the extruded polar filaments ena bled proper identification of the E, intestinalis spores, Parasites co uld also be demonstrated to be present in urine, nasal swabs, lung bru sh biopsy specimens, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a patient w ith disseminated infection with E, intestinalis, The use of these mono clonal antibodies facilitates the detection and species determination of E, intestinalis in clinical specimens.