Diagnosis of systemic candidiasis: application of co-counterimmunoelectrophoresis.
The accuracy of co-counterimmunoelectrophoresis was compared with mycological and clinical data for different groups of inpatients. The specificity and sensitivity of this method ranged from 100 to 69%. The co-specific precipitin line was observed during systemic infections caused by most opportunistic Candida species. The variations in the line in successive serum samples provided a simple means of serological surveillance. The test also detected seroconversion. The gradual disappearance of the line reflected a favourable prognosis, whereas its abrupt disappearance indicated unfavourable prognosis and correlated with the appearance of detectable circulating antigens.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000032:analysis*; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000032:analysis*; D002175:Candida / Q000276:immunology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000276:immunology; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003378:Counterimmunoelectrophoresis; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D000946:Antigens, Fungal