Diagnostic Study of Biomarkers in BAL of ICU Patients With Lung Infiltrates

Open, Prospective, Multicenter Trial to Evaluate the Clinical Significance of Combined Serological (Galactomannan ELISA, Beta D Glucan Assay) and Molecular (Nested Aspergillus PCR Assay, Real-time qPCR Assay, Multifungal DNA Microarray) Diagnostic Assays to Detect and Characterize Fungal Pathogens in Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)and Blood Samples of Intensive Care Unit Patients With Pulmonary Infiltrates

The aim of this project is therefore to explore on the clinical significance of analyzing surrogate markers combined with conventional diagnostics in the ICU setting. BAL, blood and biopsy samples will be subjected to a combined analysis of GM, BDG, Aspergillus specific PCR assays in addition to conventional diagnostics (Microscopy, Culture,Histology) for ICU pts with pulmonary infiltrates.

As GM and BDG are not species-specific, three established and repeatedly published species specific PCR-based assays (nested PCR, real time PCR assay, multifungal DNA Array)developed by our group will be investigated in combination with the serological tests in a multicenter prospective clinical diagnostic trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• underlying conditions (see above)
• being on mechanical ventilation
• lung infiltrates

Exclusion Criteria:

• immunocompetent patients (not fulfilling the criteria above)