Discovering potential pathogens among fungi identified as nonsporulating molds

J Clin Microbiol. 2007 Feb;45(2):568-71. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01684-06. Epub 2006 Nov 29.

Abstract

Fungal infections are increasing, particularly among immunocompromised hosts, and a rapid diagnosis is essential to initiate antifungal therapy. Often fungi cannot be identified by conventional methods and are classified as nonsporulating molds (NSM). We sequenced internal transcribed spacer regions from 50 cultures of NSM and found 16 potential pathogens that can be associated with clinical disease. In selected clinical settings, identification of NSM could prove valuable and have an immediate impact on patient management.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Fungal / analysis
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / analysis*
  • Fungi / classification*
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Fungi / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Mycological Typing Techniques / methods*
  • Mycoses / microbiology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer