Serum Beta-D-Glucan in the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Disease in Neonates, Children and Adolescents: A Critical Analysis of Current Data

Abstract

β-D-glucan (BDG) is a cell wall component of many pathogenic fungi. The detection of BDG as an assay is clinically broadly used as a diagnostic tool. However, the current data on BDG in paediatrics are limited, prompting specific considerations about when BDG can be used in neonates and children. We aimed to analyse the available data for the use of serum BDG in neonates and immunocompromised children and adolescents; as well as to understand the extent and characteristics of the use of BDG in children in Europe.

Keywords

• β-D-glucan
• fungal diagnostics
• neonatal invasive candidiasis
• invasive fungal infections in children