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Usefulness of Serum as a Non-Invasive Sample for the Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum Infections: Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Different Diagnostic Techniques and Quantification of Host Biomarkers

Summary

This study examined whether using blood serum samples is practical for diagnosing histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Researchers tested four different diagnostic methods on serum samples from patients with histoplasmosis, varying in severity and immune status. They found that combining multiple testing methods provided the best results, with different techniques working better depending on whether patients had weakened immune systems from HIV or were otherwise healthy. The study also measured immune system chemicals called cytokines and found elevated levels in infected patients, suggesting these could help predict disease severity.

Background

Histoplasmosis diagnosis is challenging globally, especially in endemic and non-endemic regions. Serum is a non-invasive, easily obtainable sample that can detect antigens, antibodies, nucleic acids, and biomarkers. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of different serum-based techniques and host biomarkers for detecting Histoplasma capsulatum infections.

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of serum as a non-invasive sample for diagnosing histoplasmosis using various diagnostic techniques including antibody detection, antigen detection, and DNA-based methods. Additionally, to quantify cytokines and biomarkers related to the immunological response in different patient populations.

Results

Among 27 samples with all tests performed, GM EIA showed 87.5% sensitivity in HIV patients with disseminated disease and 54.5% in immunocompetent patients. ID Fungal Antibody System detected 90.9% in immunocompetent and 62.5% in HIV patients. Combination of techniques improved detection rates. H. capsulatum-infected patients showed higher IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18 levels compared to controls.

Conclusion

Serum is suitable for rapid histoplasmosis diagnosis, with diagnostic technique effectiveness depending on patient immune status and clinical presentation. Combining multiple diagnostic methods provides superior detection. Elevated IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, and PTX3 in HIV patients may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting poor prognosis and disseminated disease.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Retrospective Comparative Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40558960, DOI: 10.3390/jof11060448
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