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Aspergillus serology: Have we arrived yet?
Malcolm D Richardson1,2,3, Iain D Page2,3
1Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK malcolm.richardson@manchester.ac.uk.
Medical Mycology
|November 7, 2016
Summary
Diagnosing aspergillosis, a fungal lung disease, has improved with new antibody detection methods. Further advancements are needed to differentiate between fungal colonization and invasive disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillosis encompasses diverse clinical forms, including chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (aspergilloma, chronic cavitary, and chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis), fungal allergy, and sensitization.
- Immune response analysis to Aspergillus antigens is crucial for diagnosing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of diagnostic techniques for aspergillosis.
- To highlight new platforms and technologies for diagnosing the spectrum of Aspergillus-related diseases.
- To discuss the potential of immunoglobulin detection in distinguishing fungal colonization from invasion.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of antibody titer determination techniques, from agar gel double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
- Focus on Aspergillus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) detection.
- Application of novel diagnostic platforms and technologies.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic methods for aspergillosis have advanced significantly over the past 50 years.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant proteins offer improved antigen capture.
- Detection of Aspergillus-specific IgG shows promise in differentiating colonization from invasion in immunocompromised patients.
Conclusions:
- While diagnostic discrimination for aspergillosis has improved, further advancements are necessary.
- New diagnostic technologies are being applied to the spectrum of Aspergillus-related diseases.
- Continued research is essential for precise diagnosis and management of aspergillosis.
