Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
Rapid and Efficient Zebrafish Genotyping Using PCR with High-resolution Melt Analysis
Published on: February 5, 2014
Application of High-Resolution Melting PCR to Detect the Genomic Fungal ITS 2 Region
Nada N Nawar1, Iman K Behiry1, Reham H A Yousef1
1Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
Background:
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a main cause of morbidity and mortality. High-resolution melting polymerase chain reaction (HRM PCR) is promising for the identification of fungal species via the detection of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2).
Objectives:
To assess the sensitivity and specificity of HRM PCR in diagnosing IFIs, compared with blood culture.
Methods:
Our study included 100 patients who were suspected of having IFIs; we analyzed their specimens via blood culture and HRM PCR.
Results:
Blood culture results were positive in 57 cases and negative in 43 cases. HRM PCR results were positive in 14 cases and negative in 86 cases. The 14 cases with positive results included 4 with Candida tropicalis, 4 with Candida glabrata, and 6 with Candida krusei. HRM PCR sensitivity was 24.6%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 100%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 50%.
Conclusions:
HRM PCR is specific but not sensitive. Blood culture is more sensitive and cannot be replaced by HRM PCR.
Related Concept Videos
02:39Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing
01:32PCR
01:16Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
02:02Genomics
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
02:34Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...