Cryptococcal antigen detection in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid

: Cryptococcal antigen (CryAg) testing in serum and CSF is a clue diagnostic tool for cryptococcosis. In this study, we reviewed the performances of the CryAg detection (Premier EIA, Meridian) routinely performed in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) during a 7-year period (2007-2013). CryAg was detected in 12 cases among 4650 BALF analyzed, while positive culture from BALF was detected in nine cases. We found sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at 0.44-0.80 (according to the radio-clinical form), 0.99, 0.36, and 0.99, respectively. These results do not support the routine use of the test in BALF.