PubMed · 16111244
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Takeshi Mori, Konagi Matsumoto. 2005. [Immunologic tests: Cryptococcosis].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16111244/
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The aim of this study was to evaluate genome size and ploidy of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The cell cycle analysis of 10 P. brasiliensis isolates by flow cytometry (FCM) revealed a genome size ranging from 26.3+/-0.1Mb (26.9+/-0.1fg) to 35.5+/-0.2Mb (36.3+/-0.2fg) per uninucleated yeast cell. The DNA content of conidia from P. brasiliensis ATCC 60855-30.2+/-0.8Mb (30.9+/-0.8fg) -showed no significant differences with the yeast form, possibly excluding the occurrence of ploidy shift during morphogenesis. The ploidy of several P. brasiliensis isolates was assessed by comparing genome sizing by FCM with the previously described average haploid size obtained from electrophoretic karyotyping. The analysis of intra-individual variability of a highly polymorphic P. brasiliensis gene, GP43, indicated that only one allele seems to be present. Overall, the results showed that all analysed isolates presented a haploid, or at least aneuploid, DNA content and no association was detected between genome size/ploidy and the clinical-epidemiological features of the studied isolates. This work provides new knowledge on P. brasiliensis genetics/genomics, important for future research in basic cellular/molecular mechanisms and for the development/design of molecular techniques in this fungus.
Antigen detection is a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antigen detection in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid using an improved second-generation Histoplasma antigen assay. Antigen was detected in 16 of 19 (84%) cases of histoplasmosis and 5 of 6 (83.3%) blastomycosis cases using the second-generation assay vs. 13 of 19 (68%) and 4 of 6 (66.7%), respectively, in the original assay. Ten-fold concentration permitted detection of antigen in an additional case of histoplasmosis and another with blastomycosis, for an overall sensitivity of 23 of 25 (92.0%). Specificity was 98.2% in both assays in controls with other pulmonary infections. These findings support the diagnostic utility of the second-generation assay in patients with pulmonary histoplasmosis and blastomycosis.
The diagnosis of systemic Candidiasis is difficult to establish and biologic diagnosis raises problems. Blood culture which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of systemic Candidiasis lacks sensitivity and usually takes several days to become positive. Early diagnostic approach is imperative to avoid delays in the initiation for treatment. Therefore, nonculture methods like test for Candida antigen detection, metabolite detection or Candida DNA detection by PCR are being developed for the laboratory diagnosis. Candida derived metabolites and antigens detection lacks sensitivity. A new strategy consisting of the combined detection of mannanemia and an antibody response was developed. The combined detection has a high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis. The results of tests for the detection of yeast DNA by PCR obtained recently are promising in terms of sensitivity, specificity and identification of species of Candida.