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Introduction Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus responsible for histoplasmosis, a systemic mycosis prevalent in endemic regions such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Rapid and reliable diagnosis is crucial since clinical features may mimic tuberculosis, malignancy, …
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 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 Sulfonamide crystals are drug-induced urinary crystals that appear in patients receiving sulfonamide (sulfa) therapy, particularly when urine is acidic, concentrated, or dehydrated. They occur due to precipitation of unmetabolized sulfonamide compounds in urine, especially older drugs like sulfadiazine, which are less soluble in acidic …
Introduction Urate crystals, also referred to as uric acid crystals, are metabolic by-products of purine metabolism found in urine. They are frequently observed during urine microscopy, especially in patients with altered pH, dehydration, or metabolic disorders. Their presence can be physiological in concentrated urine or …