LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF FUNGAL DISEASES

Question 1

Laboratory diagnosis for HISTOPLASMOSIS:

Answer 1

COMPLEMENT FIXATION TEST

Note:
Cross reactions (false positives) occur in patients with aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, but the titers are usually lower

OTHER METHODS:
- Immunodiffusion
- PCR (sputum, blood, tissue)
- EIA
- Nucleic acid probe

Question 2

Laboratory diagnosis for Aspergillosis:

Answer 2

Gel immunodiffusion EIA

Question 3

Laboratory diagnosis for Blastomycosis:

Answer 3

Complement fixation, immunodiffusion

Question 4

Laboratory diagnosis for Coccidioidomycosis:

Answer 4

Complement fixation using coccidioidin (Blood, CSF)

Question 5

Laboratory diagnosis for Cryptococcosis:

Answer 5

Latex agglutination (serum, CSF)
EIA
Immunofluorescence assay

Question 6

Laboratory diagnosis for Sporotrichosis:

Answer 6

Latex particle agglutination