Aspergillus-Antigen Testing:Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Aspergillus-Antigen Testing-Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, are major causes of invasive aspergillosis (IA), especially in immunocompromised patients, such as those with hematological malignancies, transplant recipients, or those with prolonged neutropenia. Diagnosis of IA is often challenging because clinical symptoms and radiological findings are nonspecific. Aspergillus …

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Blood Culture–Positive Yeasts: Introduction, Common molds, Comparison, and Keynotes

Gram-positive budding yeast-like cells, oval to elongated, arranged singly, in pairs, and in short pseudohyphae-like forms in Gram staining of culture microscopy at a magnification of 4000X

Introduction Unlike molds, yeasts are the most commonly recovered fungi in blood cultures. Candidemia is among the leading causes of bloodstream infections in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Yeasts such as Candida, Cryptococcus, and Trichosporon are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Blood culture positivity …

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Blood Culture–Positive Molds: Introduction, Common molds, Comparison, and Keynotes

Blood Culture–Positive Molds

Introduction Blood cultures are the cornerstone for diagnosing fungemia, but while yeasts (Candida spp.) are frequently detected, molds are rarely recovered in blood culture systems. This is because most molds (Aspergillus, Mucorales) cause tissue-invasive disease without sustained fungemia. However, certain molds such as Fusarium spp. …

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