[Biological diagnosis of systemic candidiasis: difficulties and future prospects]

Pathol Biol (Paris). 2007 Jun;55(5):262-72. doi: 10.1016/j.patbio.2006.03.003. Epub 2006 May 12.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The diagnosis of systemic Candidiasis is difficult to establish and biologic diagnosis raises problems. Blood culture which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of systemic Candidiasis lacks sensitivity and usually takes several days to become positive. Early diagnostic approach is imperative to avoid delays in the initiation for treatment. Therefore, nonculture methods like test for Candida antigen detection, metabolite detection or Candida DNA detection by PCR are being developed for the laboratory diagnosis. Candida derived metabolites and antigens detection lacks sensitivity. A new strategy consisting of the combined detection of mannanemia and an antibody response was developed. The combined detection has a high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis. The results of tests for the detection of yeast DNA by PCR obtained recently are promising in terms of sensitivity, specificity and identification of species of Candida.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Fungal / analysis
  • Candida / classification
  • Candida / isolation & purification
  • Candida albicans / isolation & purification
  • Candida albicans / metabolism
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antigens, Fungal