Diagnostic approach for multiple sclerosis: optimizing algorithms for intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins.

Background: The kappa-free light chain (κFLC) index has shown its value in detecting the intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the κFLC index for multiple sclerosis (MS) and compare different algorithms proposed in the literature to optimize its use for our population.

Methods: Based on the results of the oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and κFLC index of 255 patients with suspected MS different optimization strategies were evaluated, for which the optimal κFLC index cut-off thresholds were calculated.

Usefulness of Chromogenic Media with Fluconazole Supplementation for Presumptive Identification of .

Introduction:Candida auris is a major threat to public health. Rapid detection is essential for early treatment and transmission control. The use of chromogenic media allows the presumptive identification of this new species.

Fungal co-infection in COVID-19 patients: Should we be concerned?

Critically ill COVID-19 patients have higher pro-inflammatory (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis alpha) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine levels, less CD interferon-gamma expression, and fewer CD and CD cells. This severe clinical situation increases the risk of serious fungal infections, such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis or Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. However, few studies have investigated fungal coinfections in this population.