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Published on: March 22, 2012

Molecular diagnosis of Aspergillus endocarditis after cardiac surgery

Parisa Badiee1, Abdolvahab Alborzi1, Elaheh Shakiba1

  • 1Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study highlights the increasing prevalence of Aspergillus endocarditis (AE) in hospitals. A nested PCR assay effectively detected Aspergillus DNA in patient serum, aiding in diagnosing this serious cardiac infection.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Aspergillus endocarditis (AE) is an emerging concern in hospitalized patients.
  • Aspergillus species account for a significant portion of fungal endocarditis cases.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis of AE is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of a nested PCR assay for detecting Aspergillus DNA in serum for diagnosing cardiac infections.
  • To assess the prevalence and diagnostic performance of molecular methods in patients with suspected AE.
  • To demonstrate the presence of invasive aspergillosis in post-cardiac surgery patients.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive study involving patients undergoing open heart surgery.
  • Serum samples were collected and analyzed for Aspergillus DNA using nested PCR.
  • Conventional methods including microscopy and fungal culture of valvular tissue were performed.
  • The limit of detection for the PCR assay was determined.

Main Results:

  • The nested PCR assay demonstrated a limit of detection of 1 c.f.u. (ml serum) (-1).
  • PCR was positive for Aspergillus DNA in three out of five patients.
  • Fungal cultures confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus in one patient and Aspergillus niger in two patients.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive aspergillosis can occur in patients following open heart surgery.
  • Nested PCR is a valuable molecular tool for the diagnosis of Aspergillus endocarditis.
  • Molecular assays offer a promising approach for early and accurate AE diagnosis.

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