Comparison of the Performance of Two Galactomannan Detection Tests: Platelia Aspergillus Ag and Aspergillus Galactomannan Ag Virclia Monotest
Alba Leyva Calero, Roberto Alonso, Ignacio Gadea, María Dolores Montero Vega, Marta Martín-García, Patricia Muñóz, Marina Machado, Emilio Bouza, Julio García‐Rodríguez
Abstract
Invasive mycoses are increasingly present in immunosuppressed or hospitalized patients with serious illnesses, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Invasive aspergillosis is an infection caused, in a percentage greater than 50%, by the genus Aspergillus. It is vitally important to make an early diagnosis that leads to the application of antifungals in the initial stage of the infection. Therefore, tools are required to help with the early diagnosis of the infection. This comparative study of two enzyme immunoassays is based on the detection of galactomannan antigen in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples. A new design based on chemiluminescence and presented in an automated single-dose format is compared to a conventional ELISA technique marketed for years. The results obtained from the prospective and retrospective study indicate a high correlation and degree of agreement between both techniques, as well as in their diagnostic performance.