Characterization of the Aspergillus fumigatus chitosanase CsnB and evaluation of its potential use in serological diagnostics

Using recombinant proteins we analyzed antibody responses in patients at risk to develop invasive aspergillosis. We focussed this study on two antigens: CsnB and for comparison mitogillin, a secreted A. fumigatus ribotoxin. IgG responses were found to both proteins, but elevated antibody levels to CsnB and/or mitogillin showed no correlation to the results of the galactomannan antigen assay or clinical signs that are characteristic for fungal infections.