The antigenicity of trichophyton rubrum: In situ studies by an immunoperoxidase technique in light and electron microscopy

Abstract

The antigenic sites of cultured and invading Trichophyton rubrum can be located by using an immunoperoxidase technique in light and electron microscopy. The cell wall is identified as a major antigenic determinant in both cultured and invading T. rubrum and, in the cultured dermatophyte, other intracellular structures are also shown to be antigenic. The keratin immediately surrounding invading hyphae shows positive staining, suggesting the diffusion of dermatophyte-derived antigens, possibly keratinolytic enzymes.