Tape mount immunostaining: a versatile method for immunofluorescence analysis of fungi

AIM: Immunofluorescence microscopy is a powerful technique to detect surface antigens and study their distribution. Analysis of fungi is often hampered by their weak adherence to glass. We therefore established a novel immunofluorescence staining method to overcome this problem. MATERIALS & METHODS: Fungal material from colonies is bound to adhesive tape and stained with antibodies. RESULTS: The obtained samples had very good optical quality, showing low unspecific background staining and allowing analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy. We have exemplified applying the new method to study the distribution of galactomannan on conidiophores of Aspergillus fumigatus and of β-glucans on Malassezia pachydermatis. CONCLUSION: Tape mount immunostaining facilitates analysis of fungal surface molecules and provides a base for expeditious diagnostic procedures.