Detection of High Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of (1→3)-β-d-Glucan in Cryptococcal Meningitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

(1→3)-β-d-Glucan (BDG) is a helpful diagnostic marker for many invasive fungal infections. However, BDG is not thought to be useful in diagnosing cryptococcosis. We evaluated the utility of BDG as an adjunct diagnostic tool for patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and presenting with suspected cryptococcal meningitis.

Methods

The Fungitell assay was used to measure BDG concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (n = 177) and serum (n = 109) of HIV-infected Ugandans and South Africans with suspected meningitis. Correlations between BDG concentrations and quantitative CSF cryptococcal cultures, CSF cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) titers, and 18 different CSF cytokine concentrations were assessed using non-parametric tests. Mixed models evaluated lo

SUBMITTER: Rhein J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4324234 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature