To assess the role of Cannida spp. in the etiology of neutropenic enterocol
itis complicating aggressive cytotoxic chemotherapy, a dot immunobinding as
say for an immunodominant Candida mannoprotein antigen was employed in 20 p
atients with hematologic malignancies. Candida antigen was detected in at l
east one serum sample from 12 (60%) patients. Eleven (92%) patients were cu
red when an antifungal agent was added to the antibacterial treatment. In e
ight patients a selective anticandidal therapy with fluconazole was adminis
tered on the basis of positive Candida mannoproteinemia, and treatment was
successful in all cases but one. Detection of Candida mannoproteinemia seem
s to be a useful diagnostic tool in patients with neutropenic enterocolitis
and represents an additional tool for selecting a less empiric, low toxic
antifungal treatment with fluconazole.