Beta-D-Glucan
MiraVista Veterinary Diagnostics offers a test for the detection of beta-D-glucan (BDG). BDG is an antigen found in the cell wall of many fungi (and oomycetes). Tests for specific fungal antigens or anti-fungal antibodies are only available for a small number of organisms. For most of the rest, BDG can serve as a non-invasive biomarker supporting the diagnosis of IFI. Clinically, it can be considered a pan-fungal antigen test. Many pathogens contain BDG including invasive molds (hyalohyphomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis, aspergillosis), yeasts (Candida, Cryptococcus), dimorphic fungi (Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides) Pneumocystis, and Pythium. Sample type is most often serum, but the test is also validated for CSF. It should be noted that species-specific tests are preferred for initial testing, when available.
