DNA microarray for identification of fungal pathogens causing invasive fungal infections [IFIs] in neutropenic patients

ABSTRACT

Opportunistic invasive fungal infections [IFIs] remain as important cause of morbidity and mortality. Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common fungi that cause disease in immunocompromised patients and transplant recipients. This study was designed to identify Candida and AspergilIus spp. as possible causes of IFIs in neutropenic patients with different hematological diseases, using high multiplexing capacity of DNA microarray [species identification array]. Twenty eight patients admitted to Hematology unit-Ain Shams University Hospitals with provisional diagnosis of lFl were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were collected to detect Candida and Aspergillus spp. using DNA microarray. Nineteen out of 28 studied patients [67.9%] were infected with Candida and Aspergillus spp. Invasive aspergillosis constituted 13/19[68.4%] distributed as follows A.fumigatus 6/19 [31.6%], A.flavus 4/19 [21%] and A.niger 3/19 [15.8%]. On the other hand, Fl with Candida spp. constituted 6/19 [31.6%] distributed as follows; C.glabrata 3/19 [15.8%], C.tropicalis 2/19 [10.5%] and C.albicans 1/19 [5.3%]. Duration of hospital stay [mean +/- SD = 30.8 +/- 4 days] was statistically significant among the infected group in comparison to other patients [mean +/- SD = 22.7 +/- 2.3 days]. Nineteen out of 28 studied patients [67.9%] were infected with Candida and Aspergillus spp. Invasive aspergillosis constituted 13/19 [68.4%], while Candidal infection constituted 6/19 [31.6%]. DNA microarray represents a reliable method of potential use in clinical laboratories for parallel one-shot detection and identification of the most common fungal pathogens at the species level for prompt management of infection with tailored antifungal treatments