The Evolving Landscape of Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients

The objective of this paper is to review the armamentarium of tests available for diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in lung transplant recipients (LTs), focusing on developments over the last 5  years.Recent FindingsThe use of fungal biomarkers is increasing, especiallyAspergillus galactomannan, which now has an established role in diagnosis and prevention of invasive aspergillosis. Molecular diagnostics are increasingly being applied to tissue and other specimens to assist identification of fungi. Functional imaging has an evolving role, improving diagnostic precision and time to diagnosis.SummaryWhile demonstration of fungi in tissue obtained biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of IFI in LTs, this is not always possible. There are now a host of biomarkers, molecular, and imaging techniques available that are less invasive and allow earlier diagnosis of IFIs.
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research