Abstract book 2011 - ISHAM

Conclusion. Real time PCR can more accurately identify CF patients with Aspergillus in theirsputum than standard culture. GM may help to distinguish those colonised from those withactive Aspergillus growth. Latent class statistical analysis suggests the presence of 4 distinctgroups of patients based on serological, PCR and GM data. These 4 classes can be clinicallyinterpreted as: Class 1 = controls, Class 2 = ‘Aspergillus bronchitis’, Class 3 = sensitised andClass 4 = ABPA. A randomised trial of antifungal therapy is required to determine if there isclinical benefit in treating class 2 or 3 patients.