Caution when using 1,3, β-D-glucan in the CSF as a biomarker of Candida albicans meningitis

Abstract

Relying on a biomarker to diagnose or follow up the treatment of a Candida albicans meningitis would have an impact on patient management. The biomarker 1,3, β-D-glucan (BDG), developed for serum testing, shows inconsistent values when applied on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and its use with the current protocol on CSF samples warrants caution.