Research Keyword: diagnostic sensitivity

Dual-Emission FRET-PCR Outperforms SYBR Green and EvaGreen for Accurate Discrimination of Primary Canine Dermatophytes: Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

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Dogs often get fungal skin infections caused by three main types of fungi. Doctors have traditionally grown these fungi in culture, which takes 2-4 weeks. Scientists have now developed a faster genetic test called FRET-PCR that can identify which fungus is causing the infection in just 2.5 hours. This new test is more accurate and reliable than older genetic tests, helping veterinarians treat infections quickly and prevent them from spreading.

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Performance Evaluation of Five Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Candida auris DNA

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Candida auris is a dangerous fungal infection that spreads in hospitals and resists common antifungal medications. Researchers compared five different rapid tests (PCR assays) to see which ones best detect this pathogen. The study found that different tests vary widely in their ability to detect the fungus, with some being much more sensitive than others. The findings highlight the need for standardized testing methods worldwide to ensure hospitals can reliably identify and control C. auris infections.

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Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

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A woman with advanced HIV disease presented with unusual skin lesions that were initially suspected to be from a virus, but laboratory testing revealed a rare fungal infection called histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. The case was challenging because some standard fungal tests came back negative even though the patient had the infection, showing why doctors need to rely on culture and examination under the microscope. She was treated with antifungal medications and her diagnosis highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in severely immunocompromised patients even when initial tests seem negative.

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Usefulness of Serum as a Non-Invasive Sample for the Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum Infections: Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Different Diagnostic Techniques and Quantification of Host Biomarkers

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This study evaluated how well different blood tests can detect histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Researchers compared three types of tests: those detecting fungal antigens, those detecting antibodies the body produces against the fungus, and DNA-based tests. They found that the best test depends on whether the patient’s immune system is functioning normally or is weakened by HIV, and using a combination of tests provides the most reliable diagnosis. The study also identified specific immune markers in the blood that are elevated in infected patients, which could help predict disease severity.

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