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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
08:01

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology

Published on: March 22, 2012

Rapid diagnosis of candidiasis and aspergillosis

J E Bennett

    Reviews of Infectious Diseases
    |March 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Detecting fungal antigens in severe candidiasis patients shows promise. Stable Candida and Aspergillus antigens are detectable in blood, though detection methods need improvement for better sensitivity.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Clinical Microbiology
    • Immunodiagnostics

    Background:

    • Severe candidiasis involves bloodstream infections by Candida species.
    • Circulating fungal antigens are potential biomarkers for invasive fungal infections.
    • Previous studies suggest the presence of both stable and labile antigens in candidiasis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the presence and detectability of circulating fungal antigens in patients with severe candidiasis.
    • To assess the characteristics of stable and labile antigens from Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.
    • To explore the utility of antigen detection for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of patient sera for fungal antigens using dissociation techniques.
    • Characterization of antigen stability (stable vs. labile) and antibody binding.
    • Quantification of antigen concentrations in the nanogram-per-milliliter range.

    Main Results:

    • Two types of circulating antigens (stable and labile) were supported in severe candidiasis.
    • Stable antigens required dissociation from antibodies for detection.
    • Dissociation destroyed labile antigens, complicating assessment of antibody-bound forms.
    • Similar dissociation steps were needed for Aspergillus fumigatus antigen detection.
    • Stable antigen concentrations were in the nanogram-per-milliliter range, near assay detection limits.

    Conclusions:

    • Circulating stable antigens of Candida and Aspergillus are detectable in patients with invasive infections.
    • Current detection assays for these fungal antigens have limitations in sensitivity and practicality.
    • Further improvements in diagnostic assays are needed, but antigen detection shows diagnostic potential.

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