A 30-year-old male patient with AIDS exhibits pulmonary symptoms that include coughing and some difficulty breathing.The patient reported that he had previously worked in a bakery.His white blood cell count was normal,indicating that the infection is not bacterial in nature.Tests for the presence of fungal antigens were performed with the following results: ouchterlony immunodiffusion negative for antibodies to Aspergillus; negative latex agglutination test for Candida antigen,and positive EIA test for the galactomannan antigen of Aspergillus.What conclusion can be reached from these results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The negative results for antibodies to Aspergillus and Candida antigen indicate that these infections are not present, while the positive result for the galactomannan antigen of Aspergillus suggests the presence of Aspergillus infection. Therefore, the best conclusion is that the pulmonary symptoms are likely caused by an Aspergillus infection. The possibility of a false-positive result for the galactomannan antigen test cannot be ruled out entirely, but the combination of clinical symptoms, negative bacterial and fungal antigen tests, and positive galactomannan antigen test suggest Aspergillus infection as the most likely cause.

A 30-Year-Old Male Patient with AIDS Exhibits Pulmonary Symptoms That