Mycology

Criteria and Decision Framework for Differentiating True Infection from Colonization or Contamination by Aspergillus niger in Cancer Patients

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Aspergillus niger growth on SDA

Evaluate the Clinical Context Sample Collection & Repeatability Microscopy & Direct Detection Quantitative Culture & Sterility of Site Serological & Molecular Evidence Radiological Correlation Practical Interpretation Framework Finding Likely Contaminant Possible Colonizer Likely Pathogen Single isolate from 1 sample ✅ ✅ ❌ Repeated isolation from …

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Diagnostic Challenge: LD Bodies vs Pneumocystis Vs Histoplasma in Giemsa-Stained BAL

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Found in Giemsa staining of BAL-Possible pathogen?

Found in Giemsa staining of BAL. Possible pathogen? Morphological Features (Center) Possible Pathogen Supporting Features for Pneumocystis Recommendations Is it possible to be LD bodies? Based on the Giemsa-stained BAL image: The central violet-stained cluster of intracellular forms could resemble Leishman-Donovan (LD) bodies, especially in …

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MDR Candida NGS:Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

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MDR Candida NGS:Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

 Introduction of MDR Candida NGS MDR Candida NGS refers to the use of Next-Generation Sequencing for the detection, identification, and resistance gene profiling of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida species, such as Candida auris, Candida glabrata, and others resistant to azoles, echinocandins, or polyenes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) …

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Pneumocystis PCR: Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

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Pneumocystis PCR: Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Pneumocystis PCR is a molecular diagnostic tool used for the detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in respiratory specimens, especially in immunocompromised patients suspected of having Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).It offers higher sensitivity than traditional staining techniques (e.g., GMS, toluidine blue) and is particularly helpful in …

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Penicillium vs Paecilomyces: Introduction, Detailed Comparison, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

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Penicillium typical structure in LPCB preparation

Introduction of Penicillium vs Paecilomyces Penicillium is a ubiquitous, saprophytic mold found in soil, air, and decaying organic matter. Known for producing the first antibiotic, penicillin, it is typically non-pathogenic but occasionally causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. Paecilomyces (especially P. lilacinus and P. variotii) …

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Yeasts vs Molds: Detailed Comparison, Mixed Growth Isolation, Approach to Mixed Growth Handling, and Mixed Growth Interpretation

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Yeast and mold mixed growth on SDA

Yeasts vs Molds: Detailed Comparison Feature Yeasts Molds Definition Unicellular fungi Multicellular filamentous fungi Structure Oval/round, single cells Hyphae form mycelium; septate or aseptate Reproduction Asexual (budding or fission); some sexual forms Asexual (spores like conidia/sporangia); sexual spores Hyphae Absent, but pseudohyphae may be present …

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Fungemia-Introduction, Common Fungi, Clinical Feature, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

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Blood fungal culture bottles containing a biphasic medium used for detecting fungal growth in fungemic patients

Introduction Fungemia refers to the presence of fungi in the bloodstream, indicating systemic fungal infection. Candida species are most commonly responsible, but other yeasts and molds may also invade the bloodstream. Fungemia is a medical emergency, especially in ICU patients, immunocompromised hosts, post-surgical cases, and …

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