A TaqMan Probe-Based Real-Time PCR Assay for the Rapid Identification of the Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Candida auris on the BD Max System

J Clin Microbiol. 2019 Jun 25;57(7):e01604-18. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01604-18. Print 2019 Jul.

Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has been associated with nosocomial bloodstream and deep wound infections causing a high mortality rate mainly in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Laboratories currently rely on phenotypic testing using commercial automated systems for identification of yeasts; however, this technique has often led to misidentification of C. auris to other closely related species. We developed and validated a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay on the BD Max platform targeting ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region nucleotide sequences to quickly and accurately test for C. auris infection from culture and clinical specimens. The assay is highly specific, reproducible, and sensitive, allowing detection of as low as 1 C. auris CFU per reaction within 3 h.

Keywords: BD Max; Candida auris; TaqMan probe; real-time PCR.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Candida / genetics*
  • Candida / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Fungal / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / instrumentation
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • DNA, Fungal