CandidaAntigen Detection by a Latex Agglutination Test in Candiduria Patients

Abstract

We evaluated a latex agglutination test commercially available in kit form for the identification of Candida pyelonephritis in candiduria patients. Tests were performed on sera from 11 patients with fever and candiduria plus other positive candidal sites (group A), 12 patients with fever and candiduria alone (group B), 17 afebrile patients with candiduria alone (group C), and 27 afe-brile patients without documented candiduria or bacteriuria (group D). Positive antigenemia with a titer of 1:4 or greater was detected in 9 candiduria patients with fever: 7 (63.6%) in group A and 2 (16.7%) in group B. The incidence of group B, in which Candida pyelonephritis was strongly suspected, was significantly less than that of group A and did not significantly differ from that of groups C and D. These results suggest that this test has little value in the diagnosis of Candida pyelonephritis without disseminated candidiasis.

Diagnostic value of determination of serum mannan concentrations in patients with candiduria

“…We consider that the serum D-arabinitol/creatinine ratio is a useful parameter for the diagnosis of Candida pyeionephritis, although this kit is available only in Japan. Suits et al (13) reported that the candidal protein antigen titre determined by the latex agglutination test could become a prognostic determinant in candiduria patients, although in a recent study we did not find it to be a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of Candida pyelonephritis (14). Therefore, these parameters have not been universally accepted for diagnosis of Candida pyelonephritis.…”