Cell wall antigenic homology in certain species of Saccharomyces and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rapid identification of S. cerevisiae.

Cell-wall antigenic studies on Saccharomyces species grown by fermentation in 20% glucose broth indicated S. cerevisiae to develop two antigens specific for this species. These antigens were heat-stable polysaccharides and agglutination studies using specific antiserum prepared by cross absorption indicated their localization on the cell-wall surfaces. Using species-specific antibody, the results presented describe a specific and rapid identification of S. cerevisiae by ELISA according to the classification system of Yarrow (1984).