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G H Scribner

Publications and source records attributed to G H Scribner.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1986

Enzyme profile and immunochemical characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus antigens.

We have compared the immunochemical characteristics of culture-filtrate antigens (Ag) from Aspergillus fumigatus extracted in our laboratory with commercially available Ags. A total of 20 different preparations were studied for protein and carbohydrate content, presence of endotoxins, mycotoxins, and hemolytic toxins. These extracts were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis for protein components. The immunogenicity of the preparations was determined by rocket electrophoresis with rabbit anti-A. fumigatus sera and by agar gel diffusion with sera from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and normal control subjects. In order to have dependable immunologic results, the Ags must be sufficiently pure and reproducible. Until such time as pure and standardized Ags are available, the crude Ags used should be characterized to the extent that adequate reproducibility between preparations can be ascertained. The enzyme profile of the Ag preparations provides a fair indication of the quality of antigenic components, and together with other immunochemical parameters, it will be of use in determining the suitability of the extracts in immunodiagnosis. Immunochemical results demonstrate that commercial Ags contain less proteins and carbohydrates and fewer enzymes than the homemade antigens. In addition, fewer patients demonstrated specific precipitins against commercial Ags than with homemade Ags. This study once again confirms the need for pure standardized Ags for studying the immunologic response in patients with Aspergillus-induced diseases. Until such preparations are readily available, partially purified or crude Ags with known immunochemical properties and enzyme profile may be the choice for immunodiagnosis.

Antigens, Fungal↗
PubMed1981

Antigenic relationship among Nocardia asteroides immunotypes.

Culture filtrate antigens from seven Nocardia asteroides immunotypes, and N caviae and N. brasiliensis, were studied by agar gel diffusion using anti-Nocardia sera and immune sera absorbed with cross-reacting antigens. It was found that all seven immunotypes demonstrated specific antigenic determinants. A few immunotypes showed cross-reactivity with other immunotypes. However, this cross-reactivity could be completely removed by absorbing the antibody with the cross-reacting antigen without major change in the reactivity with homologous antigen and antisera. This study clearly demonstrates that the various immunotypes are antigenically distinct, and that for the demonstration of antibody in patients, antigens from various immunotypes are to be used.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed1980

Prevalence of precipitins in groups at risk of developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

A study was made of the prevalence of serum precipitins to Micropolyspora faeni, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and pigeon serum in population groups suspected to be at high risk for the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Pigeon breeders' sera contained precipitins mainly to pigeon serum (38%) and A. fumigatus (18%). Occupants of homes in which forced air heating systems were investigated for the presence of microorganisms reacted mostly with M. faeni (13%) and A. fumigatus (8%). Individuals from environments where several cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis were discovered reacted largely with M. faeni (28%) and T. vulgaris (21%). Sera supplied by physicians from patients with respiratory symptoms reacted primarily to A. fumigatus (24%) and to a lesser extent to M. faeni (16%) and T. vulgaris (9%). The results indicate that the prevalence of precipitins to the tested antigens is not uniform and may be influenced by the environment. Furthermore, the prevalence of precipitins in groups at risk is greater than previously reported for the normal population.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
PubMed1977

Variability of extracts used in immunoprecipitin tests.

Immunodiffusion reactions of several different commercial fungal extracts from organisms were compared to those obtained from patients' environments. Sera were obtained from patients suspected of having hypersensitivity lung disease (HLD). There was a difference in reactivity among the sources of the antigen and in some lots of antigen from the same commercial supplier. The results demonstrate a wide variation in the reactivity of different antigenic extracts and emphasize the need for uniform standardization of preparations used in precipitin tests.

Antibodies, Fungal↗
PubMed1977

Antigenic variability of Aspergillus fumigatus strains.

The effect of culture media, temperature of incubation, and continuous shaking of cultures, on the reactivity and yield of antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus were evaluated. It was found that AOAC medium was superior to Czapek medium and shake cultures yielded better results than stationary cultures. However, antigens from stationary cultures in AOAC medium incubated at 30 degrees C for 3 weeks were equally as good as antigens obtained from 2-week-old shake cultures. Antigens from 11 selected strains of Aspergillus fumigatus were used to test antibody activity in 33 sera from patients with various forms of aspergillosis and 35 normal controls by the agar gel double-diffusion method. The results showed that the reactivity of individual antigens varied from 42 to 87%, indicating that antigens from more than one strain of Aspergillus fumigatus may be used. The cross-reactivity between strains were studied by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. The use of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and crossed immunoelectrophoresis in the quality assurance of Aspergillus antigens is discussed.

Antigens, Fungal↗