Table 2.
Sensitivity and specificity of Pj PCR and betaglucan in serum
| Index tests in serum | Sensitivity (%) (95% CI) | Specificity (%) (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patients with PCP | HIV-infected control patients | Blood donors | |
| n = 26 | n = 21 | n = 18 | |
| Pj PCR positive | 100 (87–100) | 71 (50–86) | 100 (87–100) |
| Pj PCR with Ct ≤34a | 96 (79–100) | 90 (71–98) | 100 (82–100) |
| BG ≥80 pg/mlb | 96 (80–100) | 71 (50–86) | 100 (82–100) |
| BG ≥200 pg/mlb | 92 (75–99) | 86 (65–95) | 100 (82–100) |
| BG ≥400 pg/mlb | 88 (70–96) | 90 (71–98) | 100 (82–100) |
| Pj PCR positive and BG ≥200 pg/mlb | 92 (75–99) | 90 (71–98) | 100 (82–100) |
Pj Pneumocystis jirovecii, PCP Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, CI confidence interval, BG 1,3-ß-D-glucan
aThree PCP patients whose serum samples had been analysed after 1:2 dilution were excluded
bOne PCP patient whose serum sample was not analyzed for BG due to insufficient volume of serum was excluded