How diagnostics can drive treatment introduction

In this video, Samir Agrawal explains the importance of diagnostics in driving treatment of invasive fungal infections.

The use of diagnostics can be grouped into three categories – screening, diagnosis, and cessation/continuation of treatment.

• Screening aims to assist with patient diagnosis before they present with clinical signs or symptoms

• Diagnosis involves the use of tests in patients who have a clinically presenting infection

• Cessation/continuation focuses on testing patients who have had a diagnosis, with the aim of tracking if their infection is improving or if further investigation and treatment is required

The use of fungal diagnostics is most effective when tests are rapid, sensitive and specific. Use of agar to grow fungi can take 1-20 days, which can delay vital treatment. Due to this, a focus has been placed on developing rapid testing systems such as antigen and nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostics. When used effectively they can reduce mortality and hospital costs, as well as decreasing the use of inappropriate treatment options.

It is vital that effective and affordable diagnostic options are available to all, as this will allow for more effective treatment of invasive fungal infections.