The molecular nature of Serpula lacrymans has been extensively analysed by SDS-PAGE and distinctive banding patterns have been demonstrated. To develop simpler methods for identification of the organism an immunological analysis of a variety of isolates of both Serpula lacrymans and a number of other wood decay basidiomycetes has been undertaken. Results indicate unique antigenic profiles for Serpula lacrymans isolates and indicate that identification by immunological methods is feasible though antisera produced using mycelial extracts as immunogens are highly cross reactive. The antigenic profile for the closely related organism, Serpula himantioides, was very similar to that of Serpula lacrymans. Further antigenic analysis of 1) the organism grown in a variety of media and 2) different morphological forms of the organism have indicated variability in the molecular nature of the major antigens expressed by Serpula lacrymans.

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