Serum (1→3)-β-D-Glucan Measurement in Coccidioidomycosis

The serum (1 -> 3)-beta-D-glucan assay has emerged as an important diagnostic test for invasive fungal disease. The utility of this assay in coccidioidomycosis has not been previously studied. Using a cutoff value of >= 80 pg/ml, we found the sensitivity (43.9%), specificity (91.1%), positive predictive value (81.8%), and negative predictive value (64.1%) to be similar to those of the assay in diagnosing other invasive mycoses.