Evaluation of a digital microfluidic real-time PCR platform to detect DNA of Candida albicans in blood.

ABSTRACT: Species of Candida frequently cause life-threatening infections in neonates, transplant and intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and others with compromised host defenses. The successful management of systemic candidiasis depends upon early, rapid diagnosis. Blood cultures are the standard diagnostic method, but identification requires days and less than half of the patients are positive. These limitations may be eliminated by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Candida DNA in the blood specimens of patients at risk. Here, we optimized a PCR protocol to detect 5-10 yeasts in low volumes of simulated and clinical specimens. We also used a mouse model of systemic candidiasis and determined that candidemia is optimally detectable during the first few days after infection.

SUBMITTER: Schell WA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3939829 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature