Development and validation of a multiplex PCR for detection of Scedosporium spp. in respiratory tract specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis

J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Apr;49(4):1508-12. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01810-10. Epub 2011 Feb 16.

Abstract

The emergence of Scedosporium infections in diverse groups of individuals, which are often treatment refractory, warrants timely and accurate laboratory diagnosis. Species- or group-specific primers based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence polymorphisms were designed for Scedosporium aurantiacum, Scedosporium dehoogii, Scedosporium prolificans, Pseudallescheria boydii species complex (former clade 5)/Pseudallescheria apiosperma (formerly classified as S. apiospermum sensu lato) and Pseudallescheria minutispora. Primers for S. aurantiacum, S. prolificans, and P. boydii species complex/P. apiosperma were incorporated into a multiplex PCR assay for the detection and identification of the three major clinically important Scedosporium species and validated using sputum specimens collected from patients seen at a major Australian cystic fibrosis clinic. The multiplex PCR assay showed 100% specificity in identifying the three major clinically relevant Scedosporium species from pure culture. When evaluated using DNA extracts from sputa, sensitivity and specificity of the multiplex PCR assay were 62.1% and 97.2%, respectively. This highly species-specific multiplex PCR assay offers a rapid and simple method of detection of the most clinically important Scedosporium species in respiratory tract specimens.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / microbiology
  • Mycetoma / diagnosis*
  • Mycetoma / microbiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Scedosporium / genetics
  • Scedosporium / isolation & purification*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Fungal
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer