A serum mannan-binding protein and candidiasis.

A mannan-binding protein purified from rabbit serum agglutinated Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Its binding to related carbohydrate ligands is reduced either by yeast mannan at 10 ng ml-1 or serum from patients with suspected deep-seated candidiasis. A role for mannan-binding protein in diagnosis and pathogenesis is considered.