Aspergillus galactomannan detection: Trichoderma as a cause of positive results

Curr Microbiol. 2019 Jan;76(1):48-51. doi: 10.1007/s00284-018-1582-1. Epub 2018 Oct 11.

Abstract

Aspergillus galactomannan immunoassay is a main diagnostic and monitoring tool in medical mycology. However, the specificity of the method can be skewered by the presence of several other fungi. Trying to diagnose a possible fungal infection of the lower respiratory tract in a haematology patient, it appeared that the fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum is an additional probable cause of positive galactomannan results. Although, that Trichoderma is a rare but emerging pathogen in immunocompromised patients, the above information could be a caution point in the clinical evaluation of diagnostic results.

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillosis / diagnosis*
  • Aspergillosis / microbiology
  • Aspergillus / isolation & purification
  • Aspergillus / metabolism*
  • Cell Wall / chemistry
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Galactose / analogs & derivatives
  • Immunoassay / methods
  • Invasive Fungal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Invasive Fungal Infections / microbiology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
  • Mannans / analysis*
  • Trichoderma / isolation & purification
  • Trichoderma / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • Mannans
  • galactomannan
  • Galactose