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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
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.
Abstract:
Aspergillosis presents in various clinical forms, among them chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which is a spectrum of disease entities including aspergilloma, chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis, and chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis. Aspergillus also contributes to fungal allergy and sensitization. Analysis of the immune response to Aspergillus and its antigens is an integral part of the diagnosis of these diseases. Over the past half century, the techniques used to determine antibody titers have evolved from testing for precipitating and agglutinating antibodies by agar gel double diffusion and immunolectrophoresis to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant proteins as capture antigens. A resurgence of interest in the detection of immunoglobulins, primarily Aspergillus-specific IgG, has hinted at the possibility of distinguishing between colonization and invasion in immunocompromised patients with invasive aspergillosis. Even though there appears to be a greater degree of discrimination between the clinical forms of aspergillosis there is still a long way to travel. This review presents illustrative examples of where new diagnostic platforms and technologies have been applied to this intriguing spectrum of diseases.
Insights
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.
