Enzymatic fluorometric method for the determination of D-arabinitol in serum by initial rate analysis

We describe a new, simple, fluorometric assay for D-arabinitol in serum. The method is based on oxidation of D-arabinitol by D-arabinitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.11), with the concomitant reduction of NAD. The initial rate of NAD reduction, which is proportional to the D-arabinitol content of serum, can be measured with a recording spectrofluorometer. Sensitivity, specificity, recovery and reproducibility experiments gave satisfactory results. The proposed method is suitable for clinical use, and may be helpful in the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis.