Nucleic-Acid-Based Molecular Fungal Diagnostics: A Way to a Better Future

Abstract

The world has seen a tremendous increase in the number of fungal infections during the past two decades. Recently, the World Health Organisation released the pathogen priority list for fungal infections, signifying the importance of these infections in the fields of research and public health. Microbiology laboratories demand an upgrade in the diagnostic system to keep up with the increased burden of these infections. Diagnosis of fungal infections using conventional techniques has always faced limitations in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and turnaround time. Although these methods are the core pillars of the diagnosis, there is an increased need for molecular approaches. Molecular techniques have revolutionised the field of fungal diagnostics. The diverse array of molecular techniques, including techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), have emerged as a cornerstone in fungal diagnostics. Molecular techniques have transformed fungal diagnostics, providing powerful tools for the rapid and accurate identification of pathogens. As these technologies continue to evolve, their integration into routine clinical practice holds the promise of improving patient outcomes through timely and targeted antifungal interventions. This review will cover the molecular approaches involved in fungal diagnostics, moving from the basic techniques to the advanced-level nucleic-acid-based molecular approaches providing a high throughput and decreased turnaround time for the diagnosis of serious fungal infections.

Molecular Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Diseases: Current and Future Approaches

“…Separate to T2Candida ® , T2Cauris™ panel detects C. auris with limit of detection of <5 CFU/mL for whole blood and skin surveillance swabs, with a TAT of 5 h, allowing for timely infection control measures [9]. Whilst costs can vary between countries, economic considerations have limited its uptake, especially compared to phenotypic screening with chromogenic media which can cost under 5 AUD per sample (Candida Plus, CHROMagar, Saint-Denis, France).…”

“…Given the limitations with traditional histopathological and culture-based diagnostic approaches, molecular methods play an increasingly important role for IFD diagnosis [7][8][9][10]. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) such as PCR assays have been used for decades to offer increased sensitivity and decreased turnaround times (TATs).…”