Detection of allergens from Alternaria alternata by gold-conjugated anti-human IgE and field emission scanning electron microscopy

Fungal allergens are present in viable and non-viable conidia, hyphae and fungal fragments. It has been shown that large quantities of allergen are released from conidia during germination. We used a gold immunolabelling technique and field emission scanning electron microscopy to examine the allergen release from Alternaria alternata conidia. Immunolabelling was associated with the hyphal tip and amorphous matter associated with the emerging hyphae. Non-specific antibody controls showed no labelling associated with germinating fungi. This suggests that material released from hyphae may be an additional source of fungal allergens.