Non-conventional diagnostic methods for invasive fungal infections.

INTRODUCTION

Biomarkers have transformed fungal diagnostics by enabling early detection, risk assessment and treatment monitoring. Their clinical value depends on factors e.g. sensitivity, specificity, host immune status and technical standardization.

AREA COVERED: This review covers antigen- and DNA-based methods for detecting invasive fungal infections, focusing on Aspergillus spp., Candida spp. and Mucorales.

EXPERT OPINION: The selection of fungal biomarkers should be tailored to patient populations, clinical setting, and suspected infections. Combining biomarkers enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly in high-risk patients. While biomarkers indicate fungal presence, they support diagnosis and guide decisions, but must be interpreted alongside clinical context and guidelines (EORTC/MSG). [Figure: see text].