Determination of plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan: a new diagnostic aid to deep mycosis

J Med Vet Mycol. 1992;30(4):275-80. doi: 10.1080/02681219280000361.

Abstract

We present additional evidence that plasma from patients with deep-seated mycoses contains (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan. Digestion of such samples with endo-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase completely abolished the ability of the plasma to activate factor-G, a horseshoe crab coagulation enzyme that is extremely sensitive to this polysaccharide. Measurement of plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan is a promising method for the diagnosis of deep-seated mycoses and for monitoring the response of these infections to antifungal therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Glucan Endo-1,3-beta-D-Glucosidase
  • Glucans / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mycoses / blood
  • Mycoses / diagnosis*
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • beta-Glucans*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glucans
  • beta-Glucans
  • beta-1,3-glucan
  • Glucan Endo-1,3-beta-D-Glucosidase