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Journal of Clinical Microbiology, May 2005, p. 2181-2187, Vol. 43, No. 5
0095-1137/05/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JCM.43.5.2181-2187.2005
Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Comparison of Non-Culture-Based Methods for Detection of Systemic Fungal Infections, with an Emphasis on Invasive Candida Infections

P. Lewis White,* Alice E. Archer, and Rosemary A. Barnes

Department of Medical Microbiology and NPHS, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom

Received 6 July 2004/ Returned for modification 28 August 2004/ Accepted 16 December 2004

The accepted limitations associated with classic culture techniques for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections have lead to the emergence of many non-culture-based methods. With superior sensitivities and quicker turnaround times, non-culture-based methods may aid the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. In this review of the diagnostic service, we assessed the performances of two antigen detection techniques (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and latex agglutination) with a molecular method for the detection of invasive Candida infection and invasive aspergillosis. The specificities for all three assays were high (≥97%), although the Candida PCR method had enhanced sensitivity over both ELISA and latex agglutination with values of 95%, 75%, and 25%, respectively. However, calculating significant sensitivity values for the Aspergillus detection methods was not feasible due to a low number of proven/probable cases. Despite enhanced sensitivity, the PCR method failed to detect nucleic acid in a probable case of invasive Candida infection that was detected by ELISA. In conclusion, both PCR and ELISA techniques should be used in unison to aid the detection of invasive fungal infections.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Medical Microbiology and NPHS, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom. Phone: 029 2074 6581. Fax: 029 2074 2161. E-mail: lewis.white{at}nphs.wales.nhs.uk.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, May 2005, p. 2181-2187, Vol. 43, No. 5
0095-1137/05/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JCM.43.5.2181-2187.2005
Copyright © 2005, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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