Role of Candida Albicans Germ Tube Antibody Test in Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in Intensive Care Unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital

Background: Candida species are common human commensals can cause wide range of ailments. The most serious is a spread serious infection, which happens with expanded pervasiveness in emergency unit patients. Authoritative diagnosis relies upon isolation of Candida from blood culture or positive cultures from other normally sterile body sites, yet this may recognize less than half of cases. Improved diagnostics are expected to control inception of antifungal treatment to diminish mortality rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of the CALB gene recognition PCR and the Candida albicans germ tube antibody test (CAGTA) as biomarkers for quickly identifying invasive candidiasis in patients who were in danger of developing the disease in emergency departments. Methodology: The study included 50 patients from ICU suffering from invasive Candida infection. For all patients, blood culture, CAGTA test and PCR for identification of CALB gene were done. Results: Taking blood culture as the gold standard for diagnosis of invasive candidiasis. The sensitivity of CAGT was 75% and the specificity was 88.1% while the sensitivity of PCR was 100% and the specificity was 83.3%. Conclusion: For the diagnosis of an invasive candida infection, the biomarkers PCR and CAGT have additional value.