침습성 진균 감염증의 새로운 진단법인 석탄산 산화효소 전구체 시스템을 이용한 (1→3)-β-D-glucan 농도 측정법의 유용성 평가 연구

Abstract

Background : Prognosis of invasive fungal infection is supposed to be better when diagnosed earlier. (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) test is considered useful in early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections among high-risk patients. A new diagnostic test using prophenoloxydase system to measure BDG level is developed. A study was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness of this new diagnostic test. Materials and Methods : 15 patients of confirmed invasive fungal infections and 38 healthy normal volunteers were enrolled. Plasma or serum BDG concentrations were measured using prophenoloxydase system. Assays for intra-run variability and inter-run variability were performed. A cut-off value was determined and sensitivity and specificity of the test were evaluated. Results : A cut-off value of 94.90 pg/mL was determined. Sensitivity and specificity of the test were 86.7% and 52.6%, respectively. Statistical analyses of inter-run variability and intra-run variability revealed the test is reliable (P≤0.001). Conclusion : BDG test using prophenoloxydase system is a sensitive and reliable test in non- invasive detection of invasive fungal infection.