The set of tests required to make a proven, probable or possible diagnosis of Aspergillus infection or allergy is usually set out in the clinical guidelines for that disease, and will depend on patient factors as well as the local availability of laboratory and imaging facilities. Generally multiple tests will be required because there are often many conditions in the differential diagnosis, and fungal infections may co-exists with other infections (e.g. influenza with aspergillosis) or diagnoses (e.g. bronchiectasis and aspergillosis). Certain fungal conditions may require specialist tests such as dermoscopy or skin testing for endemic mycoses.
In addition to making or confirming the diagnosis of fungal infection, full mycological testing has several advantages:
Knowing which fungus is involved guides appropriate antifungal choice, dose and duration of therapy. It may also guide investigations seeking the source of infection.
Additional or dual infections can be identified
The severity of infection may be revealed from the extent of involvement on skin or scans, the number or load of organisms visible on microscopy or histology or the strength of signal on antigen or PCR tests. These factors may assist in determining whether additional therapy should be added and in following response to therapy.
LIFE Worldwide provides detailed information about all of the different tests that should be performed to diagnose aspergillosis and other fungal diseases. Videos, slideshows, webinars and images can be found explaining which tests are necessary for each form of disease, and how to carry them out:
