Value of (1-3)-β-d-glucan, Candida mannan and Candida DNA detection in the diagnosis of candidaemia

Abstract

This study determined the value of (1,3)-β-d-glucan (BDG), Candida mannan (MN) and Candida species-specific DNA as surrogates for diagnosis of candidaemia. Thirty-nine patients yielding Candida species in blood cultures were investigated for presence of BDG, MN and Candida species-specific DNA in serum samples. The Candida spp. bloodstream isolates included C. albicans (n=16), C. tropicalis (n=10), C. parapsilosis (n=7), C. glabrata (n=3) and C. dubliniensis (n=3). Positivity of the three markers was as follows: Candida DNA for corresponding Candida species, 100%; BDG, 87%; MN, 59%. Despite varying sensitivities of these biomarkers, they provided a useful adjunct to the diagnosis of candidaemia. © 2011 The Authors. Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2011 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.