Species-specific PCR primers for simultaneous detection of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in invasive fungal infections

Malays J Pathol. 2023 Dec;45(3):397-403.

Abstract

A rapid and accurate diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has been a great challenge particularly in cases requiring prompt antifungal treatment. In this study, four primer pairs were designed for a quadruplex PCR assay, which was developed for detection of four fungal species simultaneously. DNA extraction of cultured colonies and spiked blood samples were performed using conventional (phenol-chloroform) techniques and commercial DNA extraction kit. The optimum annealing temperature for this assay was 60°C. The assay was able to amplify all four genes and showed 100% specificity. No amplification of any genes was obtained against other species (n=14), which included two bacteria species. In conclusion, this quadruplex PCR assay is specific, rapid and reliable to detect A. fumigatus, A. terreus, C. albicans and C. glabrata simultaneously.

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus* / genetics
  • Candida / genetics
  • Candida albicans / genetics
  • Candida glabrata / genetics
  • DNA
  • Humans
  • Invasive Fungal Infections*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA

Supplementary concepts

  • Aspergillus terreus