Measurement of β-d-Glucan to Diagnose Fungal Infections in the CNS

In a retrospective observational study, levels of β-d-glucan in cerebrospinal fluid were significantly higher in those with proven or highly probable fungal infections than in those without.

Central nervous system (CNS) infections with noncryptococcal fungi are relatively rare and typically are associated with dimorphic fungi such as Histoplasma or Coccidioides. Diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The fungal cell wall polysaccharide β-1,3-d-glucan (BDG), often detected in the serum of patients with invasive fungal infections, has been studied in the context of fungal meningitis with encouraging results. To further assess the role of BDG in diagnosing noncryptococcal fungal infection of the CNS (FI-CNS), investigators in France analyzed the results of 228 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) BDG tests from 227 patients seen at multiple centers. FI-CNS cases were categorized into five diagnostic groups: P…

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)

Measurement of β-d-Glucan to Diagnose Fungal Infections in the CNS

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Reviewing Author