Quick Detection of FKS1 Mutations Responsible for Clinical Echinocandin Resistance in Candida albicans.

DUDIUK, CATIANA; GAMARRA, SOLEDAD; JIMENEZ-ORTIGOZA, CRISTINA; LEONARDELLI, FLORENCIA; MACEDO, DAIANA; PERLIN, DAVID S.; GARCIA, GUILLERMO

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY

AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2015 vol. 53 p. 2037 - 2041

0095-1137

A rapid molecular-based assay for the detection of the Candida albicans FKS1 gene mutations responsible for resistance to echinocandindrugs was designed and evaluated. The assay consisted of a multiplexed PCR set of 5 tubes able to detect the most commonlydescribed resistance mechanism, including FKS1 hot spot 1 and hot spot 2 mutations. The performance and specificity ofthe assay was evaluated using a double-blinded panel of 50 C. albicans strains. The assay showed a sensitivity of 96% and wasable to detect all homozygous mutants included in the collection of strains, demonstrating that it is a robust, quick, and laborsavingmethod that is suitable for a routine clinical diagnostic laboratory.