title: Detection of seven Candida species using the Light-Cycler system.
abstract: Due to the limitations of classical methods for the detection of systemic fungal infections and the high mortality rates associated with these infections, it has become essential to develop a quick, sensitive and specific detection assay. By using the Idaho Technologies Light-Cycler system, a qualitative real-time PCR system has been developed for the detection of the leading causes of systemic infection within the genus Candida. The sensitivity of the assay was comparable to previously described PCR methods (1-5 c.f.u. ml(-1)) and, by the use of a single Candida probe, it was able to detect, but not differentiate between, seven species of Candida (Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis). Single-round amplification on the Light-Cycler allowed rapid turn-around of clinical samples (within one working day) and it was shown to be more sensitive than classical procedures, exposing 39 possible systemic infections that were not detected by blood culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and PHLS, University Hospital Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
authors.forename: P Lewis
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and PHLS, University Hospital Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
authors.forename: Anjali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and PHLS, University Hospital Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
authors.forename: Rosemary A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D008027:Light; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D004271:DNA, Fungal