1,3 Beta-D-Glucan and Galactomannan - Pathogens, and Testing Characteristics
1,3 ß-D-glucan:
 • Most fungi excluding mucor and crytococci. Primarily studied for candida, aspergillosis, and pneumocystis
False positives:
 • Patients on hemodialysis (cellulose membranes), Glucan-containing gauzes and surgical sponges, surgical patients, Albumin infusions, Some beta-lactams
Galactomannan:
 • Most specific for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis (IA), reacts inconsistently in other fungi 
 • False positives: Beta lactam antibiotics, Guar gum and soy polysaccharides (both in enteral nutrition), Foods (tea, milk, pasta, rice, pepper), Aspiration pneumonia, Plasmalyte (IV and BAL)

- Dr. David Serota
@serotavirus

#BetaDGlucan #Galactomannan #Pathogens #Testing #Characteristics #Sensitivity #Specificity #Laboratory #InfectiousDiseases #Diagnosis #Fungus #Fungi #Fungal