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Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis by galactomannan antigenemia detection using an enzyme immunoassay

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Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious and often fatal infection in patients who are neutropenic or have undergone solid organ or stem cell transplantation. Delayed diagnosis and therapy may lead to poor outcomes. Diagnosis may be facilitated by a test for galactomannan antigen detection using an enzyme immunoassay. Other rapid methods for diagnosis include (1→3)-β-d-glucan determination and polymerase chain reaction. The sensitivity and specificity of galactomannan antigenemia testing in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens are high in patients with hematological malignancy, neutropenia, and receipt of stem-cell transplants. False positivity can be seen with concomitant administration of some antibiotics and infection by fungi other than Aspergillus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Wheat is the President of MiraVista Diagnostics, a company that performs the Platelia® Aspergillus EIA as a commercial service, and has served as a consultant to BioRad Laboratories, the manufacturer of the test.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MiraVista Diagnostics and MiraBella Technologies, MiraVista Diagnostics, 4444 Decatur Blvd, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN, 46241, USA

    L. J. Wheat

  2. Pediatric Oncology Branch, Immunocompromised Host Section, National Cancer Institute, CRC, Rm 1W-5750,10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1100, USA

    T. J. Walsh

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  1. L. J. Wheat
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Correspondence to L. J. Wheat.

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Wheat, L.J., Walsh, T.J. Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis by galactomannan antigenemia detection using an enzyme immunoassay. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 27, 245–251 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-007-0437-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-007-0437-7

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