Serological tests in mycology
Serological tests have now gained importance in mycology because of the rapidity of results and these tests can serve as a pronostic indicator.
Serological methods utilise the reactions and properties of the serum. The serological tests are done either to demonstrate antigen or antibody in serum or body fluids of suspected fungal infection.
The specific immune response that results from exposure to cell wall, cytoplasmic o extracellular fungal antigen during infection can be used for diagnosis. By monitoring this response, prognosis of disease and outcome of therapy can be assessed.
There are different serological tests :
- Agllutination
- Immunodiffusion (ID)
- Complement fixation test (CFT)
- Enzyme linked immunosorbent asay (ELISA)
- Lateral flow assay (LFA)
- Counter immuno-electrophoresis (CIE)
- Radio immunosorbent assay (RIA)
The advantages of serological tests in mycology are :
- To interpret the clinical significance of positive cultures – to rule out lab contamination
- To identify new isolate when the ntibody is demonstrated against that particular antigen
- Rapid diagnosis
- Prognostic marker
