Cryptococcal antigen detection in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid

Abstract

Cryptococcal antigen (CryAg) testing in serum and CSF is a clue diagnostic tool for cryptococcosis. In this study, we reviewed the performances of the CryAg detection (Premier EIA, Meridian) routinely performed in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) during a 7-year period (2007-2013). CryAg was detected in 12 cases among 4650 BALF analyzed, while positive culture from BALF was detected in nine cases.We found sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at 0.44-0.80 (according to the radio-clinical form), 0.99, 0.36, and 0.99, respectively. These results do not support the routine use of the test in BALF.