(1→3)-β-d-Glucan in Cerebrospinal Fluid as a Biomarker forCandidaandAspergillusInfections of the Central Nervous System in Pediatric Patients

摘要

Background Fungal infections of the central nervous system (FICNS) are important causes of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised pediatric patients. Standard diagnostic modalities lack the sensitivity for detecting and therapeutically monitoring these life-threatening diseases. Current molecular methods remain investigational. (1 >→ 3)-β- d -glucan (BDG) is a cell wall component found in several fungal pathogens, including Candida and Aspergillus spp. Detecting BDG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be an important approach for detecting and therapeutically monitoring FICNS. To date, there has been no study that has investigated the effectiveness of CSF BDG as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker of FICNS in children.