Detection of Candida albicans by mass spectrometric fingerprinting

Curr Microbiol. 2012 Mar;64(3):271-5. doi: 10.1007/s00284-011-0064-5. Epub 2011 Dec 16.

Abstract

Candida albicans is one of the most frequent causes of fungal infections in humans. Significant correlation between candiduria and invasive candidiasis has previously been described. The existing diagnostic methods are often time-consuming, cost-intensive and lack in sensitivity and specificity. In this study, the profile of low-molecular weight volatile compounds in the headspace of C. albicans-urine suspensions of four different fungal cell concentrations compared to nutrient media and urine without C. albicans was determined using proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). At fungal counts of ≥1.5 × 10(5) colony forming units (CFU)/ml signals at 45, 47 and 73 atomic mass units (amu) highly significantly increased. At fungal counts of <1.5 × 10(5) CFU/ml signals at 47 and 73 amu also increased, but only at 45 amu a statistically significant increase was seen. Time course alterations of signal intensities dependent on different cell concentrations and after addition of Sabouraud nutrient solution were analysed. Recommendations for measurement conditions are given. Our study is the first to describe headspace profiling of C. albicans-urine suspensions of different fungal cell concentrations. PTR-MS represents a promising approach to rapid, highly sensitive and non-invasive clinical diagnostics allowing qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Candida albicans / chemistry*
  • Candida albicans / isolation & purification
  • Candida albicans / metabolism*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Metabolome*
  • Mycology / methods*
  • Urine / microbiology
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis*

Substances

  • Volatile Organic Compounds