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 August 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Long-Term Effects of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children and the Changing Pathogenesis of Common Childhood Viruses Driven by the COVID-19 PandemicDOI: 10.12659/MSM.937927
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937927
In Press
10 Aug 2022 : Review article
Programmed Cell Death in Diabetic Nephropathy: A Review of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and NecroptosisMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.937766
10 Aug 2022 : Database Analysis
Use and Effects of Augmentation of Labor with Oxytocin: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Case-Control Study ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.937557
08 Aug 2022 : Clinical Research
A 3-Year Clinical Evaluation of Endodontically Treated Posterior Teeth Restored with Resin Nanoceramic Comp...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.937331
08 Aug 2022 : Clinical Research
Hemoglobin/Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Ratio in Peripheral Blood Is Positively Associated with Progno...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.937146
Most Viewed Current Articles
30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379
13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788
08 Mar 2022 : Review article
A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292
01 Nov 2020 : Review article
Long-Term Respiratory and Neurological Sequelae of COVID-19DOI :10.12659/MSM.928996
Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e928996