Fungal diagnosis: how do we do it and can we do better?
Open Access
- 26 April 2013
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Informa Healthcare in Current Medical Research and Opinion
- Vol. 29 (sup4), 3-11
- https://doi.org/10.1185/03007995.2012.761134
Abstract
Background:Morbidity and mortality remain high for patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) despite an increasing number of antifungals and other treatments. Many studies indicate that delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and treatment are major causes of poor outcomes in patients with IFIs.Objective:The aim of the current paper is to provide a review of traditional and newer approaches to the diagnosis of IFIs, with a particular focus on invasive candidiasis (IC) and aspergillosis (IA). Recent studies from the author’s institution are highlighted, along with an advancement in cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis that should improve the care of AIDS and its opportunistic infection in many developing countries.Findings:Currently available tools for the diagnosis of IFIs include traditional methods like histopathology, culture, and radiology, and newer antigen- and PCR-based diagnostic assays. Attempts have also been made to predict IFIs based on colonization or other factors, including genetic polym...Keywords
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