Detection of Candida mannoproteinemia in patients with neutropenic enterocolitis

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.