Can Aspergillus fumigatus conidia cause false-positive results in the galactomannan enzyme immunoassay test?

Can Aspergillus fumigatus conidia cause false-positive results in the galactomannan enzyme immunoassay test?

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2018 May-Jun;51(3):387-389

Authors: Cabana ÂL, Mendes JF, Klafke GB, Brandolt TM, Melo AM, Meireles MCA, Xavier MO

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Several factors can cause false-positive results in the galactomannan (GM) test; however, others remain unknown. Presently, the impact of airborne contamination by Aspergillus conidia during enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) remains uninvestigated.
METHODS: We studied 12 A. fumigatus isolates. Fungal conidia were serially diluted and tested for GM detection using the Platelia® Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
RESULTS: The conidia concentration required for an EIA-positive result was 4.8 × 103 (median).
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate the impact of environmental contamination on the Platelia® Aspergillus EIA assay. Only massive contamination can interfere with GM optical readings, suggesting that environmental contamination does not cause false-positive test results.

PMID: 29972575 [PubMed – in process]

Source: Industry