A TaqMan Probe-Based Real-Time PCR Assay for the Rapid Identification of the Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Candida auris on the BD Max System

Abstract

<i>Candida auris</i> is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has been associated with nosocomial bloodstream and deep wound infections causing a high mortality rate mainly in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Laboratories currently rely on phenotypic testing using commercial automated systems for identification of yeasts; however, this technique has often led to misidentification of <i>C. auris</i> to other closely related species. We developed and validated a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay on the BD Max platform targeting ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region nucleotide sequences to quickly and accurately test for <i>C. auris</i> infection from culture and clinical specimens. The assay is highly specific, reproducible, and sensitive, allowing detection of as low as 1 <i>C. auris</i> CFU per reaction within 3 h.