RESUMEN
This study determined the value of (1,3)-ß-d-glucan (BDG), Candida mannan (MN) and Candida species-specific DNA as surrogates for diagnosis of candidaemia. Thirty-nine patients yielding Candida species in blood cultures were investigated for presence of BDG, MN and Candida species-specific DNA in serum samples. The Candida spp. bloodstream isolates included C. albicans (n = 16), C. tropicalis (n = 10), C. parapsilosis (n = 7), C. glabrata (n = 3) and C. dubliniensis (n = 3). Positivity of the three markers was as follows: Candida DNA for corresponding Candida species, 100%; BDG, 87%; MN, 59%. Despite varying sensitivities of these biomarkers, they provided a useful adjunct to the diagnosis of candidaemia.
Asunto(s)
Candida/aislamiento & purificación , Candidemia/diagnóstico , ADN de Hongos/sangre , Mananos/sangre , beta-Glucanos/sangre , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Biomarcadores/sangre , Candida/genética , Candida/patogenicidad , Candidemia/microbiología , Niño , Preescolar , ADN de Hongos/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Técnicas de Tipificación Micológica , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Proteoglicanos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Especificidad de la Especie , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus terreus is described. The diagnosis was based on demonstration of branched septate hyphae in a sputum specimen and isolation of the fungus in culture. The diagnosis was further supported by detection of A. terreus-specific DNA, galactomannan (GM) and (1â3)-ß-D-glucan (BDG) in consecutive serum specimens. The patient was treated for about 10 weeks with voriconazole. The decreasing levels of GM and BDG in serum samples were accompanied by symptomatic and radiological improvement. The report highlights the value of surrogate markers in the diagnosis and for monitoring the course of invasive aspergillosis during therapy.
