Plasma (1-3)-β-d-glucan levels are associated with host inflammatory responses and predict adverse clinical outcomes in critical illness

BackgroundThe fungal cell-wall constituent (1,3)-{beta}-d-glucan (BDG) is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that can stimulate innate immunity. We hypothesized that BDG from colonizing fungi in critically-ill patients may translocate into the systemic circulation and thus be associated with host inflammatory responses and outcomes. MethodsWe enrolled 453 mechanically-ventilated patients with acute respiratory... Show more