Evaluation of a New Diagnostic Test for Invasive Fungal Infections Using Prophenoloxydase System to Measure (1->3)-beta-D-glucan Concentration / 감염과화학요법

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of invasive fungal infection is supposed to be better when diagnosed earlier. (1->3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG) test is considered useful in early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections among high-risk patients. A new diagnostic test using prophenoloxydase system to measure BDG level is developed. A study was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness of this new diagnostic test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 patients of confirmed invasive fungal infections and 38 healthy normal volunteers were enrolled. Plasma or serum BDG concentrations were measured using prophenoloxydase system. Assays for intra-run variability and inter-run variability were performed. A cut-off value was determined and sensitivity and specificity of the test were evaluated. RESULTS: A cut-off value of 94.90 pg/mL was determined. Sensitivity and specificity of the test were 86.7% and 52.6%, respectively. Statistical analyses of inter-run variability and intra-run variability revealed the test is reliable (P< or =0.001). CONCLUSION: BDG test using prophenoloxydase system is a sensitive and reliable test in non-invasive detection of invasive fungal infection.