[An evaluation of the degree of serological affinity of the surface structures in Candida maltosa and Candida albicans].

The complex preparation of surface antigens was obtained by the treatment of C. maltosa whole cells with beta-mercaptoethanol and their separation into 8 fractions by means of ion exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose. The sensitizing capacity of these fractions was studied in the allergic dermal test on guinea pigs and their immunochemical activity, in the immunodiffusion test with homologous antiserum and with the gamma-globulin fraction of antiserum to C. albicans. All fractions induced delayed hypersensitivity, more or less intensive, in guinea pigs. The agar immunodiffusion test revealed that the complex preparation contained two groups of fractions differing in their antigenic composition. Fractions of group 1 reacted equally well with homologous and heterologous antisera. Fractions of group 2, eluting at NaCl concentrations from 0.1M to 0.4M and having very high precipitation activity in reactions with homologous antiserum, showed considerably lower capacity for reaction with antiserum to C. albicans, which suggested that they contained antigenic structures differing from the antigenic determinants of C. albicans and thus ensuring specific reactions in cases of candidal sensitization induced by C. maltosa.