False-positive Histoplasma antigenemia caused by antithymocyte globulin antibodies.
False-positive Histoplasma antigen results were identified in two patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG, Thymoglobulin(R)) to prevent allograft rejection. To determine the prevalence of false-positive results following the administration of Thymoglobulin, sequential specimens were tested from a cohort of transplant recipients. Of 107 such patients, 17 (15.9%) demonstrated false-positive tests for Histoplasma antigenemia. False antigenemia peaked at 2-4 weeks after ATG administration and cleared over the next few months. Physicians should be aware of the potential for false-positive results in specimens from patients who have received ATG.
Wheat
L J
LJ
Mira Vista Diagnostics, 4444 Decatur Boulevard, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46241, USA. jwheat@miravistalabs.com
Connolly
P
P
Durkin
M
M
Book
B K
BK
Tector
A J
AJ
Fridell
J
J
Pescovitz
M D
MD
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000097:blood*; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006658:Histoplasma / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006660:Histoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits
D000906:Antibodies; D000946:Antigens, Fungal; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum