Diagnosis of aspergillosis by PCR : clinical considerations and technical tips

Rosemary A. Barnes, P. Lewis White, C. Oliver Morton, Mario Cruciani, Juergen Loeffler, J. Peter Donnelly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Standardization of Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols has progressed, and analytical validity of blood-based assays has been formally established. It remains necessary to consider how the tests can be used in practice to maximize clinical utility. To determine the optimal diagnostic strategies and influence on patient management, several factors require consideration, including the patient population, incidence of invasive aspergillosis (and other fungal disease), and the local antifungal prescribing policy. Technical issues such as specimen type, ease of sampling, frequency of testing, access to testing centers, and time to reporting will also influence the use of PCR in clinical practice. Interpretation of all diagnostic tests is dependent on the clinical context and molecular assays are no exception, but with the proposal to incorporate Aspergillus PCR into the second revision of the consensus guidelines for defining invasive fungal disease the acceptance and understanding of molecular tests should improve.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)60-72
Number of pages13
JournalMedical Mycology
Volume56
Issue numberSuppl. 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • aspergillosis
  • diagnosis
  • polymerase chain reaction

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