Work

Species-Dependent Differences in Virulence of Medically Important Zygomycetes in Neutropenic Hosts are Related to Sporangiospore Germination, Hyphal Metabolism, and Circulating Molecular Biomarker Levels

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: s of the 15th International Symposium on Infections in the Immunocompromised Host S49tablished multiples abscesses in cerebrum, cerebellum, choroid, vitreous humor, spinal cord, and meninges, where two (8.1%) of 25 CSF cultures were positive and 25 (100%) of simultaneous CSF samples for (1→3)-β-D-glucan were positive with a range of 755 to 7750 pg/mL (p<0.001).Levels of (1,3)-β-D-glucan in CSF were significantly greater than those of simultaneously obtained serum samples in treated animals (n=94) and UC (p<0.05),suggesting CNS compartmentalization of this polymeric biomarker.Clearance of C. albicans from blood cultures was not predictive of eradication of organisms from CNS; whereas, reduction of CSF (1→3)-β-Dglucan levels was predictive of therapeutic response.A significant decrease of (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentration of CSF started at 0.5 mg/kg/day in comparison to that of UC (p<0.001).Fungemia persisted in all untreated controls.Positive blood cultures converted to negative with MICA and DAmB within one day after treatment, while CNS tissues remained positive for C. albicans.By comparison, CSF (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels correlated directly in a dosedependent pattern with therapeutic response and residual fungal burden of C. albicans in cerebral tissue (r=0.842).Conclusions: (1→3)-β-D-Glucan in CSF is a surrogate marker for detection and therapeutic response of hematogenous candida meningoencephalitis.

Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/s1201-9712(08)60123-x