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Keep the Hospital Clean: Diagnostic Performance of Ten Different Molecular and Culture-Based Methods to Detect Candidozyma (Candida) auris

Summary

This study tested different methods to detect a dangerous hospital fungus called Candida auris. Researchers compared growing the fungus on special plates and using molecular tests on patient samples. They found that molecular tests (qPCR) were most sensitive for detecting low levels of the fungus, while growing it on special plates worked well for higher levels. The best approach depends on whether a hospital is dealing with an outbreak or routine screening.

Background

Candidozyma auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast that causes healthcare-associated infections and is difficult to detect. The organism can persist on hospital surfaces and in patients, making effective surveillance critical. Various diagnostic methods exist for identifying C. auris, each with different strengths and limitations.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of ten different molecular and culture-based methods for detecting C. auris in clinical samples. The goal was to identify the most valid and practical screening method for establishing an effective C. auris diagnostic workflow.

Results

Culture-based methods achieved up to 100% sensitivity at higher concentrations (≥100 CFU) but sensitivity decreased to 44% at lower concentrations and with competing species. Incubation at 42°C improved visual identification by selective growth. The qPCR assays by Leonhard and AltoStar (Altona) achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity, while the dulcitol broth showed no added diagnostic value.

Conclusion

Both culture-based and molecular methods are effective for detecting C. auris, with qPCR methods being more sensitive at lower inocula. The choice of diagnostic method should depend on clinical setting (outbreak versus routine screening), local prevalence, and bacterial load. Future studies should validate these approaches in clinical patient populations.
  • Published in:Mycopathologia,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Validation Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40232630
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