Diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis with use of the Coccidioides antigen enzyme immunoassay

Clin Infect Dis. 2008 Oct 15;47(8):e69-73. doi: 10.1086/592073.

Abstract

Background: We have previously shown antigenuria in patients with coccidioidomycosis through use of the Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and now we have developed a specific Coccidioides antigen EIA.

Methods: The Coccidioides EIA uses antibodies to Coccidioides galactomannan. The sensitivity of the Coccidioides and Histoplasma EIAs was evaluated in patients with more-severe coccidioidomycosis, and the specificity of these EIAs was evaluated in patients with nonfungal infections, in patients with other endemic mycoses, and in healthy individuals.

Results: Among patients in the present study, antigenuria was detected in 70.8% of patients with coccidioidomycosis with use of the Coccidioides EIA and in 58.3% of patients with use of the Histoplasma EIA. Antigenuria was absent in 99.4% of healthy individuals, patients with nonfungal infections, and patients with noninfectious conditions. Cross-reactions with other endemic mycoses were observed in 10.7% of patients.

Conclusions: The Coccidioides EIA has potential to be useful in the rapid diagnosis of more-severe forms of coccidioidomycosis.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Fungal*
  • Antigens, Fungal / analysis*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Galactose / analogs & derivatives
  • Histoplasmosis / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques / methods
  • Mannans / analysis
  • Rabbits
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Urine / chemistry

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Mannans
  • galactomannan
  • Galactose