An overview of using fungal DNA for the diagnosis of invasive mycoses

P. Lewis White, Alexandre Alanio, Lottie Brown, Mario Cruciani, Ferry Hagen, Rebecca Gorton, Michaela Lackner, Laurence Millon, C. Oliver Morton, Riina Rautemaa-richardson, Rosemary A. Barnes, J Peter Donnelly, Juergen Loffler

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Abstract

Introduction: Fungal PCR has undergone considerable standardization and together with the availability of commercial assays, external quality assessment schemes and extensive performance validation data, is ready for widespread use for the screening and diagnosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD).

Areas Covered: Drawing on the experience and knowledge of the leads of the various working parties of the Fungal PCR initiative, this review will address general considerations concerning the use of molecular tests for the diagnosis of IFD, before focussing specifically on the technical and clinical aspects of molecular testing for the main causes of IFD and recent technological developments.

Expert Opinion: For infections caused by Aspergillus, Candida and Pneumocystis jirovecii, PCR testing is recommended, combination with serological testing will likely enhance the diagnosis of these diseases. For other IFD (e.g. Mucormycosis) molecular diagnostics, represent the only non-classical mycological approach towards diagnoses and continued performance validation and standardization has improved confidence in such testing. The emergence of antifungal resistance can be diagnosed, in part, through molecular testing. Next-generation sequencing has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of fungal phylogeny, epidemiology, pathogenesis, mycobiome/microbiome and interactions with the host, while identifying novel and existing mechanisms of antifungal resistance and novel diagnostic/therapeutic targets.
Original languageEnglish
JournalExpert Review of Molecular Diagnostics
Early online date7 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Feb 2022

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