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[Plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan determination for screening deep mycosis]
1Department of Clinical Pathology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-pref.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan testing offers a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing fungal infections like fungemia and deep mycosis. This fungal cell-wall marker aids in early detection and treatment of invasive fungal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Context:
- Blood cultures have limited sensitivity for diagnosing fungal infections.
- Emerging fungal pathogens pose a growing threat in opportunistic infections.
- Plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan is a common fungal cell-wall component.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the utility of plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan determination for diagnosing fungemia and deep mycosis.
- To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test against various fungal infections.
- To compare test results with fungal colonization and different clinical presentations.
Summary:
- The plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan assay, utilizing horseshoe crab Factor G, demonstrates high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (100%) with a cutoff of 20pg/ml.
- The test detected invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and trichosporonosis, while remaining negative in fungal colonization.
- Variable levels in aspergilloma suggest a correlation with tissue invasion rather than mere colonization.
Impact:
- Provides a valuable tool for early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, complementing blood cultures.
- Facilitates timely initiation of antifungal treatment, potentially improving patient survival rates.
- Offers a broad screening method for various fungal infections, addressing the challenge of emerging pathogens.