Dissemin is shutting down on January 1st, 2025

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MDPI, Journal of Fungi, 1(6), p. 18, 2020

DOI: 10.3390/jof6010018

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Blood Aspergillus PCR: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Journal article published in 2020 by Matthias Egger ORCID, Jeffrey D. Jenks ORCID, Martin Hoenigl ORCID, Juergen Prattes ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most common invasive fungal diseases and is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality. In order to maximize patient outcomes and survival, early and rapid diagnosis has been shown to be pivotal. Hence, diagnostic tools aiding and improving the diagnostic process are ambitiously searched for. In this context, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may represent a potential candidate. Its additional value and benefits in diagnosis have been demonstrated and are scientifically established. Nevertheless, standardized and widespread usage is sparse because several factors influence diagnostic quality and need to be considered in order to optimize diagnostic performance and outcome. In the following review, the current role of PCR in the diagnosis of IA is explored, with special focus on the strengths and limitations of PCR in different settings.