title: Detection of invasive fungal pathogens by real-time PCR and high-resolution melting analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Causative agents most frequently encountered in systemic infections are bacteria, although fungi that cause invasive infections have also emerged, mostly in immune-compromised patients. The early detection and adequate treatment of bloodstream infections are critical for successful treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and efficient method for the detection and differentiation of the most common fungal pathogens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and consecutive high-resolution melting analysis was used for the detection and differentiation of fungal pathogens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The developed analysis procedure proved appropriate for discrimination of the ten most relevant Candida species, four Aspergillus species, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The sensitivity of the PCR reaction was 5, which is suitable for the detection of these fungi in blood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique is not adaptable as a general identification method, but it is highly useful when certain fungal species are to be expected in clinical samples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. fsoma99@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ferenc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Somogyvari
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Horvath
authors.forename: Julianna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Serly
authors.forename: Hajnalka
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Majoros
authors.forename: Csaba
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vagvolgyi
authors.forename: Zoltan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Peto
mesh_terms: D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005658:Fungi / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D004271:DNA, Fungal