RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The diagnosis of hepatosplenic candidiasis by DNA analysis of tissue biopsy and serum
JF Journal of Clinical Pathology
JO J Clin Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 764
OP 765
DO 10.1136/jcp.2003.015347
VO 57
IS 7
A1 Kirby, A
A1 Chapman, C
A1 Hassan, C
A1 Burnie, J
YR 2004
UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/57/7/764.abstract
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.