Diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis with use of the Coccidioides antigen enzyme immunoassay.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown antigenuria in patients with coccidioidomycosis through use of the Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and now we have developed a specific Coccidioides antigen EIA.

METHODS: The Coccidioides EIA uses antibodies to Coccidioides galactomannan. The sensitivity of the Coccidioides and Histoplasma EIAs was evaluated in patients with more-severe coccidioidomycosis, and the specificity of these EIAs was evaluated in patients with nonfungal infections, in patients with other endemic mycoses, and in healthy individuals.

RESULTS: Among patients in the present study, antigenuria was detected in 70.8% of patients with coccidioidomycosis with use of the Coccidioides EIA and in 58.3% of patients with use of the Histoplasma EIA. Antigenuria was absent in 99.4% of healthy individuals, patients with nonfungal infections, and patients with noninfectious conditions. Cross-reactions with other endemic mycoses were observed in 10.7% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The Coccidioides EIA has potential to be useful in the rapid diagnosis of more-severe forms of coccidioidomycosis.