Blastomyces Antigen Detection for Diagnosis and Management of Blastomycosis.
Blastomyces spp. antigen testing was evaluated over a 10-year period in an area where blastomycosis is endemic. Antigen testing was less sensitive than previously reported, but serial urine testing was useful in monitoring disease resolution or progression. Culture and cytopathology remain the gold standard for diagnosis and exclusion of this infection.
Department of Pediatrics, Marshfield Clinic, Minocqua, Wisconsin, USA Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA frost.holly@marshfieldclinic.org.
Holly M
HM
Frost
Division of Laboratory Medicine, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA.
Thomas J
TJ
Novicki
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000276:immunology*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology / Q000652:urine*; D001758:Blastomyces / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001759:Blastomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000946:Antigens, Fungal