Mycology

Molecular Typing of Fungi: Introduction, Common Molecular Typing Method, and Application

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Various Candida species growth on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar

Introduction Molecular typing of fungi uses DNA-based methods to identify species and differentiate strains for clinical, epidemiological, and environmental studies. Key techniques include Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing (the standard for identification), Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). These methods are crucial for tracking …

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VITEK MS Prime: Introduction, Principle, Components, Procedure, Result -Interpretation, Application, and Keynotes

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VITEK MS Prime Introduction, Principle, Components, Procedure, Result -Interpretation, Application, and Keynotes

Introduction The VITEK MS PRIME is a benchtop, high-throughput automated identification system that works on the principle of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. It is applicable to enhance laboratory workflow for the rapid identification of microbes like bacteria, yeasts, molds, and mycobacteria.  Principle …

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HiCrome Candida Differential Agar: Introduction, Principle, Test Requirement, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

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Various Candida species growth on HiCrome Candida Differential Agar after 4 days of incubation

Introduction HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agar is a specialized chromogenic medium used in clinical microbiology for the rapid isolation and presumptive identification of Candida species. The medium is designed to differentiate between major Candida species—Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii), and Candida glabrata—based on colony color and morphology within 48 hours. …

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Dalmau Plate Technique: Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Application, and Keynotes

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Dalmau Plate Microscopy at high power field (40X objective)

Introduction The Dalmau plate technique is a classic mycological method used to identify and differentiate yeast species, specifically Candida species, by observing their unique morphological features.  The technique is a specialized culture method that uses a “starvation medium” to induce the formation of characteristic structures like pseudohyphae, blastoconidia, and chlamydospores. It remains …

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BAL Sample vs Sputum Sample – Key Differences

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BAL Sample vs Sputum Sample – Key Differences

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) and sputum are commonly used respiratory specimens. Still, they differ significantly in terms of source, quality, diagnostic value, and clinical utility, especially in patients with tuberculosis, fungal infections, pneumonia, and oncology. Basic Definition Feature BAL Sample Sputum Sample Definition Expectorated respiratory secretion …

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Isolation and Preliminary Identification of Bacterial and Yeast Colonies on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Using the Wet Mount Technique

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Isolation and Preliminary Identification of Bacterial and Yeast Colonies on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Using the Wet Mount Technique

Introduction Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) is a commonly used culture medium in clinical mycology laboratories for the isolation of fungi, particularly yeasts and molds. Due to its acidic pH and high dextrose concentration, SDA favors fungal growth; however, bacteria and yeasts may also grow, especially …

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Fungal Elements in KOH Mount of Pleural Fluid Microscopy-Introduction, Possible Fungi Observed in Pleural Fluid KOH Mount, Applications, and Keynotes

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Fungal Elements in KOH Mount of Pleural Fluid Microscopy-Introduction, Possible Fungi Observed in Pleural Fluid KOH Mount, Applications, and Keynotes

Introduction KOH Mount of Pleural Fluid is a rapid, direct microscopic test used to detect fungal elements in suspected pleural infections. A 10–20% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution clears cellular debris, fibrin, and protein content in pleural fluid while preserving chitin-rich fungal structures such as hyphae, …

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Sterility Testing (GMP) for Mycology Lab:Introduction, Application, and Keynotes

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Fungal growth on a stored normal saline plastic bottle

Introduction Sterility testing in a GMP-compliant mycology laboratory is a critical quality assurance process used to confirm that pharmaceutical products, culture media, reagents, water systems, and laboratory environments are free from viable microorganisms, including fungi and yeasts.It follows regulatory guidelines defined by WHO, EU-GMP, USP …

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