Resolution of discrepant results for Candida species identification by using DNA probes.
Candida species bloodstream isolates were collected from institutions participating in an active, population-based surveillance for candidemia. Species identifications were performed locally and then confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by phenotype-based methods. Discrepancies in species identification between the referring institution and the CDC were noted for 43 of 935 isolates (4.6%). A DNA probe-based species identification system (PCR-enzyme immunoassay [EIA]) was then used to resolve these discrepancies. The PCR-EIA result was identical to the CDC phenotypic identification method for 98% of the isolates tested. The most frequently misidentified species was Candida glabrata (37% of all discrepant identifications). Such misidentifications could lead to the administration of inappropriate therapy given the propensity of C. glabrata to develop resistance to azole antifungal drugs.
Coignard
Catherine
C
Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
Hurst
Steven F
SF
Benjamin
Lynette E
LE
Brandt
Mary E
ME
Warnock
David W
DW
Morrison
Christine J
CJ
D001483:Base Sequence; D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D015342:DNA Probes; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods
D015342:DNA Probes; D004271:DNA, Fungal