Molecular Identification of Human Fungal Pathogens
Abstract
The burden of fungal identification is challenging for military clinicians due to a lack of access to technology, expertise, and/or instrumentation. The unique military patient population, and exposure to rarely seen fungi, exacerbates the problem. New diagnostic methods suitable to the unique military environment are urgently needed. The objective of this proposal is to develop a rapid molecular diagnostic assay using a new PCR technology called LATE-PCR (Linear-After-The-Exponential Polymerase Chain Reaction). This study has three aims: 1) selection of targets suitable for a multiplex PCR reaction, 2) design of primers and probes for each class of fungus, all of which will be compatible in a single reaction, and 3) pilot testing on tissue specimens. PCR is a tried and tested molecular method with broad application, including FDA-approval. Reagents can be prepackaged and ruggedized instrumentation suitable for forward stations are available. The novelty of LATE-PCR is that it is a single tube reaction capable of multiplexing up to 32 targets (fungal species), which eliminates the need for applying a variety of diagnostic tests to an unknown fungal specimen.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA606184
Entities
People
- Brian L. Wickes
Organizations
- University of Texas at San Antonio