MicRobiological diagnosis of invasive candidiasis

Abstract

background Candida spp. are responsible for opportunistic fungal infections in patients with known risk factors. Clinical diagnosis of invasive candidiasis is difficult because clinical features and symptoms are usually non-specific. The problem also represents isolation of pathogenic yeasts from sterile site which lacks desired level of sensitivity. conclusions Confirming diagnosis of invasive candidiasis requires isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from a normally sterile site. Identification of Candida spp. is increasingly important for several reasons: Candida spp. differ in their susceptibility to antifungal agents, species-specific identification is relevant for epidemiological purposes and the severity of clinical manifestations differs depending on the infecting species. Serological tests can also be helpful for diagnosis of invasive candidiasis, among which direct detection of antigens is of most value. Newer techniques of molecular biology hold promise because of their high sensitivity and specificity, but are not yet standardized and clinically validated