Production and standardization of fungal antigens and antiserums for the diagnosis of systematic mycoses

Abstract

Guatemala's ecological conditions favor the growth of a wide variety of fungi, including the causative agents of deep-seated mycoses, the most important of which are coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis. The symptoms of the pulmonary process they cause are very similar to those of tuberculosis, so differential diagnosis is based solely on laboratory procedures, which are based on the observation and/or isolation of the causative agent from clinical material. However, in 30% of cases, isolation is not possible, so serological tests are required for confirmation, as these have proven to be sensitive and specific.The problem with the use of serology is that antigens and antiserums are difficult to obtain in our environment and are expensive. The Mycology Laboratory, through its services, has diagnosed cases of histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, and others. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain fungal antigens and antiserums using Guatemalan strains and the techniques recommended by the CDC. This will allow, once the tests are standardized, to detect more cases than those diagnosed so far. Furthermore, seroepidemiological studies can be conducted to establish the true status of systemic mycoses in our country. Infections caused by "opportunistic" fungi, which are low-virulence and some of which are commensals of humans, such as C. albicans, have gained significant importance in recent years, as the incidence of these infections occurs alongside the use of antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and other procedures that diminish the host's immune response. Furthermore, with the emergence of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, the percentage of systemic mycoses in our country has increased.