[Evaluation of the galactomannan assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients].

Objective: To assess the value of Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) double-direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA).

Methods: Forty nine patients were divided into IA group (n = 11), other invasive fungal infection group (n = 20) and Aspergillus colonization group (n = 18). The serum samples of all patients and 6 patients with IA after 7 day treatment were used for GM detection.

[Evaluation of the galactomannan assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in an animal model].

Objective: To assess the value of Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) double-direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).

Methods: Ninety adult SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including 4 groups of pulmonary infection by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus), Candida albicans, mucor, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively, and a colonization group by A.

Epidemiological investigation of Histoplasma capsulatum infection in China.

Objective: To provide reliable information concerning the presence or the absence of Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum) infection in China, and data concerning this respect.

Methods: Three hundred normal people and 435 hospitalized patients, who lived in Hunan and Jiangsu provinces, and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, were tested with yeast-phase histoplasmin (ALK/Berkerley Biologicals Laboratories, USA) and human pure protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) on the volar surface of the forearm.