title: [Advances in the diagnosis of mycoses. New tests detect Candida infections].
abstract: New techniques for the detection of deep fungal infections are reviewed with a focus on Candida albicans, the species most frequently isolated. The introduction provides an outline of the similarities and differences between bacteria and fungi on one hand and animal cells on the other, which are important to bear in mind in the detection and treatment of deep fungal infections. In addition to cultures of biopsy material, blood, and mucous membranes (colonisation), serum tests for such fungal constituents as antigens or beta-glucan, the PCR technique for the detection of fungal DNA, and a test for the D-/L-arabinitol ratio in urine, are all valuable approaches. As yet, no single laboratory test is available that reliably detects disseminated candidosis. Rapid, sensitive, and specific methods for mycological diagnosis need to be developed to minimize the necessity of resorting to empirical therapy when deep mycosis is suspected.
authors.affiliation: Avdelningen för klinisk mikrobiologi, Karolinska institutet och sjukhuset, Stockholm.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Petrini
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Christensson
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chryssanthou
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Edebo
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Larsson
mesh_terms: D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000032:analysis; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D000946:Antigens, Fungal; D015415:Biomarkers; D004271:DNA, Fungal
vernacular_title: Framsteg inom mykosdiagnostiken. Nya test påvisar Candida-infektioner.