ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY FOR ASSESSMENT OF ADHERENCE OF CANDIDA-ALBICANS TO HUMAN BUCCAL EPITHELIAL-CELLS

We describe herewith attempts to use an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELI SA) to assess adherence in vitro of Candida albicans to exfoliated hum an buccal epithelial cells. The technique is a modification based on a method described for bacterial adherence, adapted for Candida. The as say is based on immobilization of human buccal epithelial cells on mic rotiter plates and exposure of the cells to the fungus. The detection system consists of a direct or indirect ELISA, with specific peroxidas e labelled anti-Candida antibodies, or specific anti-Candida antibodie s and a peroxidase labelled conjugate, respectively. The adherence lev el was proportional to the color intensity as measured at OD 405. We u sed this test to evaluate the effect of a crude and a partially purifi ed chitin extract, as inhibitors of C. albicans adherence. The propose d assay is comparatively easy to perform, particularly the direct lest . It allows detection of specific adherence of C. albicans, simultaneo us assessment of many samples, and testing of inhibitors.