Serologic response in blastomycosis: diagnostic value of double immunodiffusion assay.

Abstract

Double immunodiffusion (DID) is a useful, inexpensive antibody screening test that is more specific than complement fixation for blastomycosis. Seven of 10 patients with proved blastomycosis had positive results on DID assays for antibody to the A antigen of Blastomyces dermatitidis. Sputum cytologic examination and skin or other tissue biopsies may be diagnostic if the organism is demonstrated. Culture remains the sina qua non of diagnosis, and a negative DID test result for A precipitin does not rule out this infection. Follow-up serologic studies of patients in remission and in relapse should be undertaken to determine the evolution of the immune response to the A antigen.

• Authors: J E Williams, R Murphy, P G Standard, J P Phair
• Journal: The American review of respiratory disease (Am Rev Respir Dis) Vol. 123 Issue 2 Pg. 209-12 (Feb 1981) ISSN: 0003-0805 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6786147 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Fungal

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antigens, Fungal (immunology)
• Blastomyces (immunology)
• Blastomycosis (blood, diagnosis, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunodiffusion
• Male
• Middle Aged