Research Keyword: real-time PCR

Multicenter performance evaluation of the “quanty TOXO (RH region)” kit (Clonit) for molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis

Researchers from seven French hospitals tested a commercial DNA test kit called “quanty TOXO” that detects Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite causing serious infections in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The kit performed well overall, correctly identifying infection in nearly 95% of positive cases and showing no false positives. However, the test sometimes missed infections when parasite levels were very low, suggesting doctors should run tests twice to increase detection chances.

Read More »

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

This study examined why some fungal nail infections caused by Candida albicans don’t respond to itraconazole treatment. Researchers found that resistant fungi have higher levels of genes that pump the antifungal drug out of their cells and genes that help them form protective biofilm layers. These findings suggest that combining itraconazole with drugs that block these pumps or disrupt biofilms could be more effective for treating stubborn fungal nail infections.

Read More »

PCR enables rapid detection of dermatophytes in practice

Researchers in Finland studied how a fast DNA test (PCR) can detect fungal skin infections better than traditional slow culture methods. The new test, called DermaGenius, gives results in just 16 hours instead of 19 days. By 2022, most fungal infection samples were tested using this faster method, which helps doctors treat patients quickly without unnecessary medications.

Read More »

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

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.

Read More »

Primary cutaneous mixed infection with Cryptococcus uniguttulatus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A 43-year-old man had a persistent facial rash that didn’t improve with standard antifungal treatments. Doctors initially found a fungal infection called Cryptococcus uniguttulatus using culture tests. However, advanced molecular testing (DNA sequencing) revealed he also had a tuberculosis infection in the same skin lesion. Once both infections were treated with appropriate medications, the patient’s rash finally improved. This case shows that sometimes people can have multiple infections at the same location and that newer diagnostic methods are important for finding these hidden infections.

Read More »
Scroll to Top