The molecular detection for Candida lusitaniae is used for the immediate, with high specificity and sensitivity laboratory diagnosis of the fungus (yeast) in various biological materials. Molecular testing for Candida lusitaniae is included in the 14 different species of Yeast-like Fungi, Molecular Detection MycoScreen™.
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The emergent pathogen Candida lusitaniae is an opportunistic haploid yeast that has been reported as the etiological cause of infection in humans, most frequently in immunocompromised patients who often have comorbidities. Even though it is considered a low-frequency emerging nosocomial pathogen and susceptible to conventional antifungal therapies, C. lusitaniae has attracted attention because some isolates are resistant to amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, or fluconazole. From the infections caused by Candida spp., C. lusitaniae is responsible for approximately 19.3% of fungemia cases in cancer patients, and approximately 1.7% of all cases of genitourinary candidiasis in ambulatory patients.
C. lusitaniae has been isolated most frequently from the respiratory tract, followed by urine and blood samples. It has also been isolated from the peritoneum, vagina, and skin. In additionally to fungemia, C. lusitaniae has also been associated with peritonitis, meningitis, and urinary tract infections.
Candida lusitaniae characteristics
- The causative agent of invasive candidiasis, mainly in the exogenous route of infection
- The causative agent of vulvovaginal and oropharyngeal candidiasis
- An etiological factor of late neonatal infections and chronic candidiasis in patients with cystic fibrosis
- Associated with the development of candidemia in patients with hematological diseases
