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Galactomannan enzymatic immunoassay cross-reactivity caused by Prototheca species
D Van den Bossche1, A De Bel, M Hendrickx
1Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
We report a reactive Aspergillus galactomannan enzymatic immunoassay against the serum of a patient with invasive Prototheca zopfii infection. Analysis of the supernatants of suspensions of P. zopfii and other Prototheca isolates revealed positive results as well. These data suggest cross-reactivity with the serum Aspergillus galactomannan assay in invasive protothecosis.
Insights
An Aspergillus galactomannan assay showed reactivity in a patient with Prototheca zopfii infection. This suggests potential cross-reactivity in diagnosing invasive protothecosis using this common fungal biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections require accurate diagnostic tools.
- Aspergillus galactomannan assay is a key biomarker for invasive aspergillosis.
- Prototheca zopfii is an emerging cause of human infections.
Observation:
- A patient with invasive Prototheca zopfii infection was tested.
- The serum sample demonstrated reactivity with the Aspergillus galactomannan assay.
- Supernatants from Prototheca isolates also yielded positive assay results.
Findings:
- The Aspergillus galactomannan assay exhibits cross-reactivity with Prototheca species.
- This cross-reactivity was observed in both patient serum and microbial isolates.
- The diagnostic specificity of the galactomannan assay may be impacted in cases of protothecosis.
Implications:
- Consider Prototheca infection in patients with positive galactomannan assays, especially if fungal cultures are negative or atypical.
- Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanism of cross-reactivity.
- This finding may necessitate the development of more specific diagnostic markers for invasive protothecosis.
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