Evaluation of BD Glucan in Peritoneal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Fungal Peritonitis

Invasive candidiasis has a high mortality rate, around 40%. Outcome remains tightly linked to the time of treatment administration. Routine microbiological techniques give results too lately to allow prompt antifungal therapy initiation (at least 48 hours). It is important to develop diagnostic tools to initiate antifungal therapy as early as possible. The B D glucan detection, one of the major components of the candida cell wall, can be useful for a early diagnosis. There are several techniques on the market for the detection of glucan. In Europe and America, the most used is Fungitell (Associated of Cape Cod, Inc). There is several studies about the use of such kits for fungemia. A number of studies are reporting evidences of a early diagnosis. But, in medical literature, there isn't study focused on the detection of B D glucan in peritoneal fluid for Candida peritonitis diagnosis.