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Published on: March 22, 2012
Diagnosis of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis by antigen detection
S Swartzentruber1, L Rhodes, K Kurkjian
1MiraVista Diagnostics and MiraBella Technologies, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, USA.
Background:
Antigen detection, which has proven useful in diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis, has not been studied in acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH). Because treatment is indicated in most patients with moderately severe or severe APH, antigen detection for rapid diagnosis could be helpful.
Methods:
Histoplasma antigen detection was evaluated in 130 patients with APH.
Results:
Antigenuria was detected in 64.6%, antigenemia in 68.6%, and antibody in 64.3%. If both urine and serum specimens were tested, antigen was detected in 82.8%, of which 45.8% had antigenemia only; and if both antigen and antibody were measured, results were positive in 93.3%, of which antigen only was positive in 35.7%.
Conclusions:
Testing for antigenemia, antigenuria, and antibodies using the complement fixation test offers a sensitive, noninvasive method for diagnosis of APH.
Insights
Diagnosing acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH) can be improved with antigen detection. Testing urine and serum for Histoplasma antigen and antibodies offers a sensitive, noninvasive diagnostic method.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Antigen detection is valuable for disseminated histoplasmosis.
- Its utility in acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH) remains understudied.
- Rapid diagnosis is crucial as treatment is often necessary for severe APH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of antigen detection in diagnosing APH.
- To assess the combined utility of antigen and antibody testing for APH.
Main Methods:
- Histoplasma antigen detection was performed on 130 patients diagnosed with APH.
- Urine (antigenuria), serum (antigenemia), and antibody levels were measured.
- Complement fixation test was utilized for antibody detection.
Main Results:
- Antigenuria detected in 64.6%, antigenemia in 68.6%, and antibodies in 64.3% of patients.
- Combined urine and serum antigen testing yielded positive results in 82.8%.
- Testing for antigen and antibodies together resulted in 93.3% positivity.
Conclusions:
- Antigen detection in urine and serum, alongside antibody testing, provides a sensitive diagnostic approach for APH.
- This method is noninvasive and aids in timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.
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