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Mucormycosis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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EasyFungal InfectionsMucormycosisSCE Infectious Diseases

A microbiology registrar is called about a critically ill neutropenic patient with suspected invasive fungal infection. The team asks about the clinical utility of serum (1→3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG). Which of the following fungal infections will NOT be detected by BDG?

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Correct answer: D — Mucormycosis (Rhizopus/Mucor species)

Beta-D-glucan (BDG) is a component of the cell wall of most fungi but is notably absent from the cell walls of Mucorales (Rhizopus, Mucor, Lichtheimia) and Cryptococcus. Therefore, serum BDG cannot be used to diagnose or exclude mucormycosis or cryptococcosis. BDG is positive in Candida, Aspergillus, PJP, and Fusarium infections. For mucormycosis, imaging and tissue diagnosis remain essential. Galactomannan is specific to Aspergillus.

Reference: BSAC 2024 – Diagnostic mycology guidelines; ECIL-6 2017 – Biomarkers for IFD