In order to identify the branches containing both beta-1,2 and alpha-1,2 linkages as the serotype A-specific epitope(s) in the mannans of Candida albicans, serotype A strains with oligosaccharides constituting the beta-1,2 linkage, the alpha-1,2 linkage, and both the beta-1,2 and the alpha-1,2 linkages were prepared from the mannans of C. albicans serotype A strains (NIH A-207 and J-1012) and tested for their inhibitory effects in the precipitin and slide agglutination assays. The results indicated that two oligosaccharides containing both beta-1,2 and alpha-1,2 linkages, Manp-beta-1-2Manp-alpha-1-2Manp-alpha-1-2Manp-alpha-1-2Man and Manp-beta-1-2Manp-beta-1-2Manp-alpha-1-2Manp-alpha-1-2Manp-alpha-1-2Man, served as epitopes participating in the serotype A specificity of C. albicans strains.