Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk of
fungal infections, because of ongoing immunosuppressive treatment. There are three post organ transplant phases: early, intermediate, and late, all of them at risk of
Candida infections. Since conventional tests are insufficient, specific secondary diagnostic tests are still being explored. Serological tests are currently the most common choice. The present study was to determine the usefulness of
mannan antigen and anti-
mannan antibody detection in diagnosing
invasive candidiasis in liver or kidney transplant recipients. The levels of
mannan and anti-
mannan antibodies were assessed with Platelia Candida Ag Plus, and Platelia Candida Ab Plus (Biorad, Marne-la-Coquette, France) commercial tests, according to manufacturer's guidelines. Sixty six serum samples were obtained from 25 patients (9
liver transplant recipients, 7 kidney transplant recipients, and 9 patients prepared for a kidney transplant), 29 serum samples from 15 patients tested positive for
mannan antigen. Serum samples were obtained from 14 patients tested positive for anti-
mannan antibodies.
Fungal antigen detection in blood serum in patients under immunosuppression, especially with
neutropenia, suggests that antifungal treatment should be administered. Serological tests, especially
mannan and anti-
mannan ones, are very useful for confirmation or exclusion of
invasive candidiasis in high-risk patients.