PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kirby, A
AU  - Chapman, C
AU  - Hassan, C
AU  - Burnie, J
TI  - The diagnosis of hepatosplenic candidiasis by DNA analysis of tissue biopsy and serum
AID  - 10.1136/jcp.2003.015347
DP  - 2004 Jul 01
TA  - Journal of Clinical Pathology
PG  - 764--765
VI  - 57
IP  - 7
4099  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/57/7/764.short
4100  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/57/7/764.full
SO  - J Clin Pathol2004 Jul 01; 57
AB  - Hepatosplenic candidiasis is traditionally diagnosed by blood culture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological analysis. The limitations of these methods include: low sensitivity (blood culture) and failure to isolate the organism (MRI/histology). This report describes a case of hepatosplenic candidiasis diagnosed by simultaneous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of liver biopsy and serum. PCR of biopsy and/or serum may offer a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for hepatosplenic candidiasis. Candida species can be identified, which helps guide antifungal chemotherapy, an important aspect in this difficult to treat infection.