Mold Identification by MALDI-TOF (BRUKER)-Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

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 …

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Comparative Microscopy of Common Clinical Fungi-Introduction, Table, and Appearance at Different Magnifications

Aspergillus in LPCB tease mount of culture

Introduction Microscopy remains one of the cornerstones of clinical mycology, providing a rapid and inexpensive method for the direct detection and preliminary identification of fungi. Comparative microscopy is particularly valuable in distinguishing the morphological features of common clinical fungi, many of which exhibit overlapping clinical …

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Prototheca: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Prototheca in Gram staining

Introduction Morphology Prototheca exhibits a unique morphology in cultural media. It forms smooth, creamy colonies on SDA. Moreover, its colonies remain non-filamentous. It produces spherical or oval cells in microscopic preparations. Furthermore, cells display a thick, refractile wall. In addition, internal endospores are occasionally arranged …

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Aspergillus fumigatus Rapid Azole Screen Test (4-wells plate):Introduction, Principle, Test Methods, Test Procedure, Result-Interpretation, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Aspergillus fumigatus Rapid Azole Screen Test (4-wells plate)

Introduction The Aspergillus fumigatus Rapid Azole Screen Test uses a 4-well plate format. It detects azole resistance in fungal isolates. Clinicians request this test to guide effective treatment. Moreover, the assay produces results faster than traditional methods. It minimizes the time needed to decide on …

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Paracoccidioides-Antibody Testing: Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Paracoccidioides-Antibody Testing- Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Paracoccidioides antibody testing detects antibodies against the Paracoccidioides species. It plays a vital role in diagnosing paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Additionally, clinicians use this test to confirm suspected cases. Moreover, the assay identifies immune responses in patient serum. Furthermore, laboratories perform standardized serological tests such as …

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Fungal Identification-Introduction, Conventional Method and MALDI TOF Method, Application, and Keynotes

Conidia, phialides(sterigmata), metullae, and conidiophore of Penicillum in LPCB preparation of culture microscopic examination

Introduction Fungal identification plays a vital role in diagnosing infections. Mycologists use various methods to identify fungal species. Firstly, conventional techniques rely on morphology and culture characteristics. Additionally, molecular assays enhance detection accuracy. Researchers now employ advanced tools to expedite fungal identification. Moreover, timely identification …

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Penicillium cheresanum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Penicillium cheresanum: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Introduction Penicillium cheresanum is a species of mold belonging to the genus Penicillium, commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter. Moreover, it thrives in a variety of environments, demonstrating its adaptability to different ecological conditions. In addition, this mold is known for producing secondary …

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Rose Bengal Agar (RBA)- Introduction, Principle, Composition, Test Procedure, Colony Characteristics, Uses, and Keynotes

Fungal growth on Rose Bengal Agar (RBA) at centre

Introduction Rose Bengal Agar (RBA) is a selective medium for isolating fungi. It contains rose bengal dye, which inhibits bacterial growth. This medium supports the growth of various fungi. Chloramphenicol in RBA further suppresses bacterial contamination. Scientists and clinicians use it for environmental and clinical …

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