Caution when using 1,3, β-D-glucan in the CSF as a biomarker of Candida albicans meningitis

Relying on a biomarker to diagnose or follow up the treatment of a Candida albicans meningitis would have an impact on patient management. The biomarker 1,3, beta-D-glucan (BDG), developed for serum testing, shows inconsistent values when applied on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and its use with the current protocol on CSF samples warrants caution. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.

Automated summary

The inconsistent results of using the biomarker 1,3-beta-D-glucan (BDG) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnosing or following up the treatment of Candida albicans meningitis indicate the need for caution in its application.