%0 Journal Article %A Hodgson, Sam %A Hamilton, Fergus %A Jacobson, Kim %T Positive Serum (1,3)-β-D-Glucan Testing in Surgical Patients across the Bristol Area %D 2020 %J Access Microbiology, %V 2 %N 2 %@ 2516-8290 %C 90 %R https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.fis2019.po0107 %I Microbiology Society, %X Background: An evidence gap exists in anti-fungal diagnostic practice following abdominal surgery, especially when compared to haem-oncology counterparts. In light of the recent Anti-fungal Stewardship CQUIN, our study addresses the utility of serum (1,3)-β-D-Glucan (BDG) testing post-gastrointestinal surgery. Method: We identified positive BDG results (>/=80pg/mL) on ITU and surgical wards in 3 major institutions in the Bristol area. Those with a ‘history of abdominal surgery </=30 days previous’ were identified using electronic health records. Other variables included number of days from surgery to testing, value of the result, and past medical history. Results: 110 patients with positive results were identified. 19 (17.3%) of these had a history of abdominal surgery. By surgical type, 6 (31.6%) had major abdominal surgery. 6 (31.6%) had pancreatic surgery and 5 (26.3%) small bowel resection. 2 had other types of surgery. The mean BDG score was 286pg/mL. 1 patient had risk factors other than gastrointestinal surgery for a positive BDG result. Only 1 patient died within 28 days. Patients tested between 0-9, 10-19 or 20-30 days of surgery had mean BDG scores of 329pg/mL, 302pg/mL and 390pg/mL respectively. 40% were tested within 9 days of surgery. There was no clear evidence of invasive fungal infections. Conclusion: Positive BDG testing is common after surgery, but does not appear to be associated with a significant mortality burden. Ensuring appropriate anti-fungal therapy is essential for treatment, risk reduction and cost containment. More research is needed to identify appropriate testing strategies in patients with abdominal surgery. %U https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/acmi/10.1099/acmi.fis2019.po0107