Identification of Candida dubliniensis in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory

Candida dubliniensis is an emerging yeast pathogen isolated mainly from immunocompromised patients. As molecular tests are currently unsuitable for use in routine diagnostic laboratories, we compared a variety of phenotypic techniques for differentiating C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. The tests included: colony colour on CHROMagar C and ida medium; growth at 37 degrees C and 45 degrees C; ability to produce germ tubes and chlamydospores; and the Auxacolor system. The organisms included 105 isolates previously identified as C. albicans, 10 reference strains of C. albicans, 2 reference strains of C. dubliniensis and 102 fresh clinical isolates identified as C. albicans. None of the tests alone was satisfactory but a combination of 3 tests may be suitable for presumptive identification of C. dubliniensis

Cost-effectiveness and efficacy of CHROMagar [TM] Candida medium in clinical specimens

CHROMagar[TM] Candida is a new medium for the differential isolation and identification of certain clinically important Candida species. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of this medium compared with conventional methods. Thirty reference strains, 158 clinical specimens and 105 stock cultures were investigated. Specimens were cultured on CHROMagar[TM] Candida medium and on Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar. Identification was by conventional methods on Sabouraud agar and appearance of colonies on CHROMagar[TM] Candida medium. CHROMagar[TM] Candida correctly identified isolates of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. krusei. It was superior in detecting mixed cultures. A comparison of time and cost was carried out. CHROMagar[TM] Candida provides a simple, accurate and cost-effective method for identifying some clinically important Candida species