Research Keyword: Sensitivity and specificity

The diagnosis of mucormycosis by PCR in patients at risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study reviews how well a molecular test called PCR can diagnose mucormycosis, a dangerous fungal infection. Researchers analyzed 30 studies covering over 5,000 patient samples and found that PCR works very well for detecting this infection, especially when using samples from the lungs. Blood tests were also effective but slightly less sensitive. The study recommends using PCR as part of updated diagnostic guidelines to help doctors catch this serious infection earlier, potentially improving patient outcomes.

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Evaluation of MucorGenius® Mucorales Real-Time PCR Assay with Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Specimens

Researchers tested a rapid fungal detection test called MucorGenius® on tissue samples from trauma patients with serious fungal infections. The test successfully identified dangerous mold-like fungi in 92% of infected samples with no false positives. This quick test could help doctors diagnose and treat dangerous fungal wound infections faster in trauma patients.

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Polymerase Chain Reaction on Respiratory Tract Specimens of Immunocompromised Patients to Diagnose Pneumocystis Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This study analyzed how well PCR tests detect Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious fungal lung infection in immunocompromised patients. The research reviewed 55 studies with over 11,000 tests and found that PCR testing of fluid from the lungs or induced sputum works very well, especially at ruling out the disease when negative. However, positive test results need careful interpretation because the test can detect the fungus even when it’s just colonizing rather than causing active infection.

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Detection of Mucorales antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage samples using a newly developed lateral-flow device

Researchers tested a new rapid test device that detects a specific protein released by dangerous mold infections (mucormycosis) in patient respiratory samples. The test uses a special antibody to identify these molds quickly, which is important because mucormycosis can be life-threatening and requires fast treatment. The device showed promise with about 77% accuracy in identifying infections, though larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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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.

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Comparison of galactomannan lateral flow assay and enzyme immunoassay to identify Aspergillus spp. in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

Researchers compared two rapid tests for detecting a fungal infection called aspergillosis in lung fluid samples. One test uses a simple lateral flow format (like a COVID test), while the other is a more traditional enzyme immunoassay. Both tests had good agreement, with the lateral flow assay showing high accuracy and the advantage of being faster and requiring fewer laboratory resources, making it especially useful for hospitals with limited equipment.

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