Special remarks: The DEMEDITEC Aspergillus fumigatus IgM Antibody ELISA Test Kit has been designed for the the detection and the quantitative determination of specific IgM antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus in serum and plasma.
The antigen used for coating the microtiter plates is somatic + metabolic, CBS 545.65.

Aspergillus species of known pathogenicity to man are Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus and A. nidulans. The most common pathogen of this genus is A. fumingatus which occurs in hay, grain, rotten plants and birds faeces. The main opportunistic invasive fungial infections are the candidal mycosis followed by aspergillosis. Generally infections with Aspergillus spp. are airborne.

Because of the ubiquity of Aspergillus species it renders more difficult to decide between contamination by commensals or a serious infection. Usually infection in man occurs in already damaged tissues only. Aspergillus spp. can cause a chronical infection of paranasal sinus, eyes or lungs.

Three types of lung-aspergillosis can be distinguished:

a: Acute infection (bronchial pneumonia; pneumonia)

Aspergillus pneumonia is mostly found in patients with neutropenia (decrease of neutrophil granulocytes), after a long-time therapy with glucocorticoids, in immunosuppressed patients (after organ transplantation) and in alcoholics.

b: Saprophytic aspergillom (compact reticulum of hyphae in the lungs)

Preformed caves in the lung due to a previous tuberculosis give place to a colonisation of Aspergillus species.

c: Allergic bronchopulmonal aspergillosis

This clinical picture is not due to an infectious disease but a hypersensitive reaction of the bronchial system (mediated by IgE) after inhalation of aspergillus spores. Subsequently the bronchial system produces highly viscous secretions, that may block the bronchial lumen. The patient develops difficulties of breathing and a fibrosis.

Next to ELISA the indirect Aspergillus hemagglutination test (Aspergillus HAT) can be performed to detect specific IgG and IgM antibodies. The HAT is not suitable as a screening test, however, because of its low sensitivity. In some high-risk patients it shows only low antibody titers. For a better diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis the brain or lung of these patients should be examined by a biopsy.

In order to avoid interference of rheumatoid factors, it is highly recommended that patient sera should be treated with RF absorbent (Cat.No. DE-MJS02). Alternatively, positive results can be confirmed in a second test run in the presence of RF adsorbent. Do not pre-treat the controls or standards with RF absorbent!