Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Aspergillosis

Abstract

Aspergillosis is a group of different invasive and non-invasive diseases affecting the lung and other organs, caused by species of the genus Aspergillus. Additionally, complications associated with treatment and the increasing emergence of antifungal-resistant strains of Aspergillus spp. are high-impact problems. For these reasons, a combined approach of diagnostic tests is necessary to reach an accurate and timely diagnosis. This review aims to describe some biomarkers and their usefulness for the diagnosis of aspergillosis. Among the findings obtained in different studies, the nature, analytical performance and usefulness for diagnosis in different clinical forms of this disease are described. Currently, the main biomarkers used in the diagnosis of Aspergillus disease fall into three categories: membrane components, specific DNA sequences and metabolic products. The detection of biomarkers is one of the most important innovations of recent decades in the field of medical mycology, as it is a diagnostic aid that allows the timely detection of infections and decreases the time of administration of antifungal therapy.