(1,3)-β-d-glucan

Abundant cell wall polysaccharide, found in most fungi, except cryptococci, zygomycetes (mucor, rhizophus) and blastomyces.

Sensitivity 64%-93%; Specificity 87%-100%

False Negatives:

 • Hyperlipemic sample

 • Hemolyzed blood

 • Certain fungus that lack (1 ,3)-ß-d-glucan

False Positives:

 • Bacteremia (Streptococcus spp)

 • Hemodialysis

 • IVIG

 • β-Lactams (Pip/Tazo, Amox)

 • Medications containing lentinan, schizophyllan, scleroglucan.



By @TheIDtrivia



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