04 May 2007
Significant discrepancy between real-time PCR identification and hospital identification of C. albicans from Lebanese patients
Suha Yazbek, Ghyda Barada, Raida Basma, Jad Mahfouz, Roy A. KhalafMed Sci Monit 2007; 13(5): MT7-12 :: ID: 484614
Abstract
Background: The fungus C. albicans is among the leading agents causing death in immunocompromised patients. Most hospitals rely on conventional morphological techniques such as the germ-tube assay
and the API system for correct identifi cation. This technique is subjective and hence error prone. Recently, more and more molecular techniques for correct identifi cation have been developed. The latest is the LightCycler real-time PCR technique coupled with melting curve analysis.
Material/Methods: One hundred hospital isolates presumed to be C. albicans from four major Lebanese hospitals were tested using the real-time PCR technique. The results were compared with a germ-tube test.
Furthermore, all real-time PCR-positive samples were replica plated on growth media at 30°C and 45°C to differentiate between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. Finally, all PCR-negative samples were identifi ed using the API 20C AUX yeast identifi cation system.
Results: Twenty-four hospital isolates were non-albicans by PCR (ppC. albicans-negative isolates were misidentifi ed by the API 20C AUX. None of the C. albicans real-time PCR-positive samples failed to grow at 45°C, the
dubliniensis non-permissive temperature.
Conclusions: Considering the impact of false identifi cation on the general public health through the use of wrong antifungal drug treatment and the emergence of novel drug-resistant strains, hospitals should update their classifi cation methods using molecular techniques.
Keywords: Candidiasis - drug therapy, Candida albicans - genetics, Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use, Drug Resistance, Fungal, Hospitals, Lebanon, Mycological Typing Techniques, Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods
Editorial
01 March 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β-ThalassemiaDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
In Press
21 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Potential Value of HSP90α in Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast CancerMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943049
22 Feb 2024 : Review article
Differentiation of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Review of Imaging Techniques and Future ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943168
23 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
A Study of 60 Patients with Low Back Pain to Compare Outcomes Following Magnetotherapy, Ultrasound, Laser, ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943732
26 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Predictive Value of Combined HbA1c and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942509
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952