Blastomyces Antigen Detection for Diagnosis and Management of Blastomycosis

Holly M Frost; Thomas J Novicki

doi:10.1128/JCM.02352-15

Blastomyces Antigen Detection for Diagnosis and Management of Blastomycosis

J Clin Microbiol. 2015 Nov;53(11):3660-2. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02352-15. Epub 2015 Sep 2.

Authors

Holly M Frost¹, Thomas J Novicki²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Marshfield Clinic, Minocqua, Wisconsin, USA Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA [email protected].
² Division of Laboratory Medicine, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA.

Abstract

Blastomyces spp. antigen testing was evaluated over a 10-year period in an area where blastomycosis is endemic. Antigen testing was less sensitive than previously reported, but serial urine testing was useful in monitoring disease resolution or progression. Culture and cytopathology remain the gold standard for diagnosis and exclusion of this infection.

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Fungal / immunology*
Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
Antigens, Fungal / blood*
Antigens, Fungal / immunology
Antigens, Fungal / urine*
Blastomyces / immunology*
Blastomyces / isolation & purification
Blastomycosis / diagnosis*
Blastomycosis / drug therapy
Blastomycosis / immunology
Disease Progression
Humans
Immunologic Tests
Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy
Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
Retrospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

Antibodies, Fungal
Antifungal Agents
Antigens, Fungal