Serological tests in mycology

Serological tests have now gained importance in mycology because of the rapidity of results and these tests can serve as a pronostic indicator.

Serological methods utilise the reactions and properties of the serum. The serological tests are done either to demonstrate antigen or antibody in serum or body fluids of suspected fungal infection.

The specific immune response that results from exposure to cell wall, cytoplasmic o extracellular fungal antigen during infection can be used for diagnosis. By monitoring this response, prognosis of disease and outcome of therapy can be assessed.

There are different serological tests :

Agllutination
Immunodiffusion (ID)
Complement fixation test (CFT)
Enzyme linked immunosorbent asay (ELISA)
Lateral flow assay (LFA)
Counter immuno-electrophoresis (CIE)
Radio immunosorbent assay (RIA)

The advantages of serological tests in mycology are :

To interpret the clinical significance of positive cultures – to rule out lab contamination
To identify new isolate when the ntibody is demonstrated against that particular antigen
Rapid diagnosis
Prognostic marker

Lateral flow assay (LFA) for mycology

Lateral flow tests also known as lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, are simple paper-based devices intended to detect the presence (or absence) of a target analyte in liquid sample (matrix).

Complement fixation test (CFT) for mycology

The fungal antigens and positive controls are used to detect antibodies in patient serum by the complement fixation (CF) procedure to aid in the diagnosis of four specific fungal diseases : Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coocidioidomycosis and aspergillosis.

Enzyme Immunoassays for Mycology

We propose qualitative or semi-quantitative test systems (titration) for the detection of antigens from different organisms and antibody against different organisms in patient samples.

Immunodiffusion (ID) Assay for mycology

The immunodiffusion (ID) test, also called the Ouchterlony test, allows antigen detection.

Latex agglutination assays for mycology

A latex fixation test, also called a latex agglutination assay or test (LA assay or test), is an assay used clinically in the identification and typing of many important microorganisms