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Category: Clinical Microbiology; Fungi and Fungal Pathogenesis
Aspergillus PCR, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555815523/9781555814380_Chap29-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555815523/9781555814380_Chap29-2.gifAbstract:
Combining molecular techniques with variations in specimen type, DNA extraction technique, PCR amplification, and minimal evidence for real-time result interpretation highlights the amount of research that still needs to be performed. The successful application of diagnostic Aspergillus PCR has been reported since the early 1990s. By the end of 2005 over 150 papers describing the use of clinical Aspergillus PCR methods had been published, but despite this no consensus PCR method had been agreed upon. An efficient DNA extraction procedure is critical for any molecular diagnostic test. In a recent study comparing the performance of PCR, galactomannan (GM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and β-D-glucan in 27 pediatric or neonate patients with probable or possible invasive aspergillosis (IA), agreement between PCR and both GM ELISA and β-D-glucan assays was excellent and PCR generated a high negative predictive value (97%). PCR out-performed GM ELISA when testing serum from eight mice with histologically proven IA, generating sensitivities of 71 and 43%, respectively. Discovering the optimal fraction is important for standardization of the Aspergillus PCR, and the use of an animal model would be an ideal way to investigate this issue. As Aspergillus species are ubiquitous, controlling the contamination factor becomes a major issue in developing a suitable area to perform Aspergillus PCR. As with all diagnostic PCR systems, universal precautions to prevent contamination should be in place. Immunocompromised patients with Aspergillus PCR-positive BAL specimens should be considered at risk for IA, and the result may be an indication for preemptive antifungal therapy.
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The number of articles describing Aspergillus PCR per annum (1993 to 2006).
Performance of Aspergillus PCR using whole blood versus serum.
Summary of publications comparing Aspergillus nucleic acid extraction methods
Published Aspergillus PCR methods principally testing BAL specimens i
Aspergillus PCR performance when testing serum specimens
Aspergillus PCR performance when testing whole blood specimens i
Molecular detection of cerebral aspergillosis, endophthalmic aspergillosis, Aspergillus sinusitis, and Aspergillus-infected tissue specimens