[Increase in the positivity of the galactomannan biomarker during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Fifth Region: Valparaíso]

Rev Chilena Infectol. 2021 Jun;38(3):340-343. doi: 10.4067/S0716-10182021000300340.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Background: The current pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 has caused a high burden on health. Cases and series of invasive aspergillosis associated with COVID-19 patients (CAPA) on mechanical ventilation have been described.

Aim: To describe the increase in the positivity of the galactomannan (GM) biomarker during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Fifth Region: Valparaíso.

Method: Retrospective descriptive study. The GM results in both broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and serum and the BAL cultures that were sent to the Mycology Laboratory of the University of Valparaíso from January to September 2020 were reviewed; then they were compared with the examinations of the same period of 2019.

Results: There was a significant increase in GMs carried out in LBA during the pandemic, concentrating mainly between the months of July-September.

Conclusions: There was a significant increase in GM carried out in LBA during the pandemic, concentrating mainly between the months of July-September.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
  • COVID-19*
  • Galactose / analogs & derivatives
  • Humans
  • Mannans
  • Pandemics*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Mannans
  • galactomannan
  • Galactose