[Rapid identification methods of yeasts during fungaemia]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Clinical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Fungal bloodstream infections (fungemia) require rapid diagnosis for effective treatment.
• Current yeast identification methods can be time-consuming, delaying patient management.
• Optimizing diagnostic workflows is essential for improving outcomes in fungemia cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency of a wet preparation method, a modified serum test, and a modified disc diffusion method for rapid yeast identification.
• To compare the accuracy and speed of these methods in identifying yeasts from positive blood cultures.
• To determine the most frequently isolated yeast species in fungemia cases.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of a wet preparation method for initial yeast detection.
• Assessment of a modified serum test for rapid species identification.
• Application of a modified disc diffusion method for identifying non-albicans yeast species.
• Processing of 2,932 blood cultures to identify yeast isolates.

Main Results:

• Candida albicans was identified within 3 hours after Gram stain confirmation of yeast growth.
• The modified serum test demonstrated 95% accuracy in yeast identification.
• Other yeast species were identified within 24 hours using the modified disc diffusion method.
• Candida albicans (50%), Candida tropicalis (22%), and Candida parapsilosis (22%) were the most common isolates.
• Fungemia was frequently associated with prior antimicrobial therapy and abdominal conditions.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated methods significantly accelerate yeast identification in fungemia.
• The modified serum test offers high accuracy for rapid diagnosis.
• Faster identification allows for quicker targeted therapy, potentially improving patient prognosis.