Science Links Japan | Advances in Serological Systems for Diagnosis of Systemic Fungal Infections, Particularly Those Caused by Candida and Aspergillus.

Advances in Serological Systems for Diagnosis of Systemic Fungal Infections, Particularly Those Caused by Candida and Aspergillus.

Accession number;02A0869666

Title;Advances in Serological Systems for Diagnosis of Systemic Fungal Infections, Particularly Those Caused by Candida and Aspergillus.

Author; YAMAGUCHI HIDEYO (Teikyo Univ., Res. Center for Med. Mycol.)

Journal Title;Japanese Journal of Medical Mycology

Journal Code:G0589A

ISSN:0916-4804

VOL.43;NO.4;PAGE.215-231(2002)

Figure&Table&Reference;REF.180

Pub. Country;Japan

Language;Japanese

Abstract;Invasive fungal infections have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in neutropenic and some other immunocompromised hosts; Candida and Aspergillus are among the major pathogens in this patient population. The clinical diagnosis of these infections is not specific and the traditional mycological methods for them not sensitive, with limits in the early detection of the pathogen. The potential additives or complements to the laboratory diagnosis of invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis are two non-culture-based methods, serodiagnostic methods and molecular ones. The former methods include the detection of pathogen-specific antigens, antibodies, metabolites and cell wall components. Several have already become standard laboratory tools and some others are under active investigation for developing new, more accurate detection systems. In this review, I will discuss the current status and future potential of serodiagnostic methods, highlighting both their technical and clinical implications. (author abst.)

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