Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases were traditionally studied using methods like direct microscopy, histopathology and growing culture but recently ELISA assays are preferred because of the many advantages they offers. Early diagnosis is important in order to have effective anti-fungal treatment. Please view our complete list of fungal diseases ELISA kits.

Diagnosis of fungal disease traditionally relies on methods such as culture, histopathology and direct microscopic examination of clinical samples. Such approaches require relatively high levels of specific mycology training and they lack specificity, sensitivity and take a long time to yield a result which can be clinical useful. This has led to an increased emphasis on the development of molecular methods and antigen detection systems. Fungal polysaccharides and proteins are usually shed into body fluids during the course of an infection. This can lead to the possibility of developing specific antibodies against such shed antigens, an immunoassay can be constructed which is more specific, sensitive and reliable.

There are many advantages of using ELISA kits for testing fungal diseases when compared to the conventional methods.

  • Immunoassay methods can be more reliable, specific, sensitive and yield clinical relevant results quickly.
  • Highly invasive sample collection methods may not be required because the antigen is shed to body fluids such as blood or urine.
  • Possibility of producing an immunoassay with a broad or a very limited specificity based on the properties of the antibody that is selected and on the clinical requirements for testing.
  • Limited training is required in comparison to the high levels of specific mycology training when using traditional methods.

It is likely that several diagnostic methods will be required in order to meet the diverse needs of different fungal infections. Early diagnosis is important because it will allow the administration of anti-fungal during the time when it is most likely to be effective. Unlike most bacterial or viral infection, fungal diseases typically develop gradually and clear slowly.





L. Johnston
PhD Student / University of Glasgow


Dr. P. Anderson
Lecturer / University College London (UCL)


J. Thomas
Senior Technician / Addenbrooke’s Hospital


Dr. C. Davies
Lead Scientists / AstraZeneca


A. Shaw
Purchasing / University of Oxford