Journal issues > Issue 3, May 2021 > Faster to the fungus: rapid diagnostic and prognostic tests for invasive fungal diseases

Faster to the fungus: rapid diagnostic and prognostic tests for invasive fungal diseases

By: T. Mercier MD, PhD, K. Lagrou MD, PhD, PharmD, J. Maertens MD, PhD

SUMMARY

Invasive mould infections such as invasive aspergillosis or mucormycosis remain an important infectious complication in haematology patients, especially in those undergoing intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia or undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. An early diagnosis and timely initiation of antifungal therapy improves outcomes. In this thesis, we therefore looked at new possible diagnostic tools to aid in a rapid diagnosis, such as lateral flow assays, PCR tests, or a novel beta-D-glucan assay. Furthermore, we explored how we could get the maximum out of existing tests such as galactomannan, by optimising their use after therapy in an effort to assess the response to therapy.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2020;12(3):138-40)

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