Anest. intenziv. Med. 2026;37(2):94-100 | DOI: 10.36290/aim.2026.012

Fungal cell wall antigens - the pitfalls in their interpretationReview Article

Müller J.^{1, 2}, Valešová L.¹, Raděj J.¹, Kříž M.¹, Horák J.^{1, 2}, Huňková E.¹, Pavlík R.¹, Matějovič M.^{1, 2}

¹ Jednotka intenzivní péče, I. interní klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň

² Biomedicínské centrum, Lékařská fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova

Micromycetes have emerged as a significant cause of opportunistic infection in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. The increasing utilisation of immune-modifying drugs has been accompanied by a rise in the incidence, morbidity and mortality of these life-threatening diseases. Beta-D-glucan and galactomannan, components of the fungal cell wall referred to as fungal antigens, can be detected in serum and other body fluids. Despite their well-established role in the diagnostic algorithm of fungal invasion, there are several major limitations associated with their evaluation. The accurate indication and interpretation of these non-culture diagnostic tests is imperative for the successful diagnosis and timely treatment of invasive fungal infections.

Keywords: beta­‑D-glucan, galactomannan, invasive fungal infections, candida, aspergillus, immunosuppression.

Received: February 10, 2026; Revised: April 7, 2026; Accepted: April 15, 2026; Prepublished online: June 8, 2026; Published: July 10, 2026  Show citation