COMPARISON OF PCR, (1-]3)-BETA-D-GLUCAN AND GALACTOMANNAN ASSAYS IN SERA OF RATS WITH EXPERIMENTAL INVASIVE ASPERGILLOSIS

We compared PCR, galactomannan detection assay using a latex agglutina tion test and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan detection assay in detecting inf ection in rats experimentally infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. On day 2 after inoculation, (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan and nested PCR were p ositive for 80%, white galactomannan detection assay was positive for 60%. In addition, the positive result of nested PCR (87.5%) was higher than those of galactomannan detection assay (75%) and (1 --> 3)-beta- D-glucan (71.4%) on day 3 after inoculation. The sensitivity of nested PCR was superior to those of galactomannan detection assay and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan detection assay. The three diagnostic tests were com pared with histopathological findings, and the sensitivity of three di agnostic tests was correlated with histopathological changes. In addit ion, the elevated levels of (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan paralleled the dev elopment and progression of pulmonary aspergillosis. Our results indic ate that a combination of two or three of these tests seems to provide a rapid diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and assist in the evaluat ion of the development and severity of invasive aspergillosis. J. Clin . Lab. Anal. 12:257-262, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.