(1-->3)-beta-D-glucanemia in deep mycosis.
Factor G, a coagulation proenzyme of the Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), is extremely sensitive to (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, which is a characteristic cell-wall constituent of fungi. Using this factor and by a digestion study with (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, we showed that blood from patients with deep m ycosis contains the glucan. It was detected in 39 out of 41 fungal febrile episodes (sensitivity 90%), but in none of the 59 nonfungal febrile episodes (specificity 100%).
Obayashi
T
T
Department of Clinical Pathology Jichi Medical School 3311-1 Yakushiji Minamikawachi-machi, Kawachi-gun Tochigi 329-04 Japan.