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Introduction Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a diagnostic procedure used to collect specimens from the lower respiratory tract, particularly from the alveolar spaces. It is performed by instilling sterile saline into a segment of the lung via a bronchoscope and then aspirating it back. Gram staining …
Introduction Invasive mold infections caused by species such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and Mucorales pose serious challenges, especially in immunocompromised and oncology patients. Accurate antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is essential for guiding therapy and monitoring resistance trends. The EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) …
Introduction Direct microscopic examination is one of the most rapid and inexpensive diagnostic methods for detecting fungal elements in clinical specimens. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear is a routine technique in mycology that helps visualize fungal structures such as hyphae, yeast cells, and sclerotic bodies directly …
Introduction Candidemia and invasive Candida infections are among the most common fungal diseases in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Traditional diagnosis by blood culture is often slow and has limited sensitivity. Candida antigen testing provides a rapid, non-culture-based method for detecting circulating fungal components in blood …
Introduction Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus responsible for histoplasmosis, an endemic mycosis prevalent in parts of North and Central America, Africa, and Asia. In immunocompromised patients, especially those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants, histoplasmosis can be severe and disseminated. Histoplasma antigen testing provides …
Introduction Mold infections caused by species such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and Mucorales are increasingly common, especially in immunocompromised and oncology patients. Effective treatment requires accurate antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). The E-test (Epsilometer test) is a practical method used in clinical microbiology to determine the …
Introduction Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, are major causes of invasive aspergillosis (IA), especially in immunocompromised patients, such as those with hematological malignancies, transplant recipients, or those with prolonged neutropenia. Diagnosis of IA is often challenging because clinical symptoms and radiological findings are nonspecific. Aspergillus …
Introduction Yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida, Cryptococcus, and other opportunistic yeasts, are significant in immunocompromised and oncology patients. Rapid and accurate identification of yeasts is essential for guiding therapy and improving patient outcomes. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), …