An evaluation of the performance of the Dynamiker® Fungus (1-3)-β-D-Glucan Assay to assist in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia

Med Mycol. 2018 Aug 1;56(6):778-781. doi: 10.1093/mmy/myx097.

Abstract

The Dynamiker® Fungus (1-3)-β-D-Glucan Assay (D-BDG) has recently become available in the Western Hemisphere for the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD). Evaluations of its performance for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) are limited. A retrospective evaluation of D-BDG diagnosis of PcP was performed (23 PcP cases and 23 controls). Sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 70%, respectively, reducing the positivity threshold to 45 pg/ml increased sensitivity (96%), whereas a threshold of 300 pg/ml increased specificity (96%). The performance of D-BDG for the detection of PcP is comparable to other IFD, but sensitivity is below that required to confidently exclude PcP.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods*
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / standards
  • Fungal Polysaccharides / blood
  • Humans
  • Pneumocystis carinii / chemistry
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / blood
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / diagnosis*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • beta-Glucans / blood

Substances

  • Fungal Polysaccharides
  • beta-Glucans