Antigenuria Useful in Diagnosing Disseminated Histoplasmosis

Antigenuria was present in 92% of patients with disseminated histoplasmosis and 88% of those with chronic pulmonary infection, but only 30% of those with subacute pulmonary disease.

Antigen detection is useful in diagnosing progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), but its role in diagnosing other forms of the disease is unknown. Moreover, the antigen assay employed has evolved over the years. Initially it was used only for urine specimens, but pretreatment of serum samples with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid at 104°C has made detection of antigenemia possible.

In a multicenter study involving patients tested for Histoplasma or Blastomyces antigen between November 2004 and December 2007, researchers examined the sensitivity of the current antigen assay in diagnosing the various forms of histoplasmosis. Three of the investigators were employees at MiraVista Laboratories, the maker of the antigen assay.

Of the 158 …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)