Detection of galactomannan (GM) by enzyme-linked immunoassay is a fairly rapid method of detection Aspergillus pneumonia. However, it can have false-positive results.
Testing is performed on serum or bronchoalveolar fluid.
Causes affecting both serum and bronchoalveolar fluid:
(1) infection with another organism (Nocardia, Histoplasmosis, Rhodococcus, Cryptococcus, Chaetomium)
Causes affecting serum:
(1) therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam
(2) intravenous immunoglobulin infusion
(3) multiple myeloma
(4) elevated serum IgG from other cause
Causes affecting bronchoalveolar fluid:
(1) colistin inhalation
(2) aspiration of enteral nutrition fluid or other foods
(3) oral nutritional supplement
(4) mannan contamination of sterile collection containers
Previously reported cause which appears to have been corrected:
(1) Plasmalyte infusion
