[Serodiagnosis for deep-seated mycoses].

Early diagnosis and treatment for an immunocompromised patient with a deep-seated mycosis are very important for the prognosis of the patient. Several methods of serodiagnosis for deep-seated mycosis have been developed and are clinically available. Detection of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan from serum samples of a patient can be evaluated with high sensitivity and specificity. Antigens detection test for fungi is another useful method for this serodiagnosis. A novel sandwich ELISA to detect galactomannan has higher sensitivity than the latex agglutination test. The cryptococcus capsular antigen detection technique is also very useful for patients with cryptococcosis. Thus, serodiagnosis for deep-seated mycosis appears to be a useful tool for treatment of immunocompromised patients.