An evaluation of the performance of the Dynamiker® Fungus (1-3)-β-D-Glucan Assay to assist in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. (26th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: White, P Lewis; Posso, Raquel B; Gorton, Rebecca L; Price, Jessica S; Wey, E; Barnes, Rosemary A
• Is Part Of: Medical mycology. Volume 56:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 778
• Page End: 781
• Publication Date: 2017-10-26
• Subjects: β-D-glucan -- Pneumocystis pneumonia -- Dynamiker Fungus Assay; Medical mycology -- Periodicals; Veterinary mycology -- Periodicals; Mycology -- Periodicals; Mycoses -- Periodicals; Pathogenic fungi -- Periodicals; 616.969005
• DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-3786

Abstract

Abstract: The Dynamiker ® Fungus (1-3)-β-D-Glucan Assay (D-BDG) has recently become available in the Western Hemisphere for the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD). Evaluations of its performance for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) are limited. A retrospective evaluation of D-BDG diagnosis of PcP was performed (23 PcP cases and 23 controls). Sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 70%, respectively, reducing the positivity threshold to 45 pg/ml increased sensitivity (96%), whereas a threshold of 300 pg/ml increased specificity (96%). The performance of D-BDG for the detection of PcP is comparable to other IFD, but sensitivity is below that required to confidently exclude PcP.