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Introduction Respiratory tract infections are caused by a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Conventional diagnostic methods such as culture, microscopy, and antigen detection are time-consuming and often lack sensitivity. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, applied directly to respiratory samples (sputum, …
Introduction Accurate and timely identification of molds is essential for clinical microbiology, especially in cases of invasive fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, Mucorales, and other filamentous fungi. Traditional methods based on morphology and phenotypic characteristics are slow, require expertise, and may misidentify cryptic …
Introduction Invasive mold infections such as those caused by Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and Mucorales present significant clinical challenges, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Mortality rates are high, and empirical antifungal therapy often fails due to intrinsic or acquired resistance. Standardized antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is therefore …
Introduction The disk diffusion assay for molds is a standardized antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) method that evaluates the sensitivity or resistance of filamentous fungi to antifungal agents. While primarily standardized for yeasts (e.g., CLSI M44-A2), disk diffusion has also been adapted for molds, particularly Aspergillus …
Introduction Fungal infections caused by yeasts, particularly Candida and Cryptococcus species, represent a significant clinical challenge in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is crucial for guiding therapy, particularly in cases of treatment failure or the emergence of resistance. The broth microdilution …
Introduction Fungal infections represent a growing concern in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Conventional identification methods, including culture, microscopy, and biochemical testing, often require several days and may lack sensitivity or specificity for certain opportunistic fungi. Molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing have improved …
Introduction Ascitic fluid microscopy is a laboratory diagnostic method used to examine peritoneal (ascitic) fluid obtained via paracentesis. It helps in identifying cells, microorganisms, and crystals that provide clues about underlying causes such as infection, malignancy, liver disease, or systemic disorders. Principle The principle of …
Introduction Pleural fluid is the liquid collected from the pleural space between the lung and chest wall. Microscopic examination of pleural fluid plays a key role in identifying the underlying cause of pleural effusion. It helps distinguish between transudates and exudates, detect infectious organisms, malignant …