1, 3- β-D-glucan Assay for Diagnosis of Candidiasis Versus Candida Colonization Index in ICU Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background: The incidence of candidiasis has been increasing over the past 2 decades. In addition, Candida species accounts for the fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections after Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus. Candida species are ubiquitous and constitute part of the normal human flora. Only a small percentage of the identified species cause disease in humans. Invasive candidiasis is a life-threatening infection associated with high mortality rates. Candida species is responsible for an extremely large spectrum of diseases. Measurement of the serum (1, 3) - β -D-glucan (BG) is a non-invasive testing for circulating fungal cell wall components, that allows the systemic screening and prompt identification of fungal infections, using one serum sample by activation of serine proteases that cleaves p-nitroaniline from the peptide substrate found in Limulus amebocyte lysate reagent found in the Kit, free p-nitroaniline is then measured, with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 90%. Objectives: The aim of the work is to evaluate the serum (1,3)- β -glucan assay as an effective marker to aid in the early screening and diagnosis of candidiasis in comparison with candida colonization index.