Comparison of PCR to histology for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis in a murine model

The ability of a PCR method to diagnose invasive candidiasis in comparison to histology was determined using a murine model. One hundred and sixty mic e mere divided into 16 groups of 10 mice each. One group served as a negati ve control while 15 groups were infected with Candida albicans. Of the infe cted groups, 14 (A1-A7 and B1-B7) received fluconazole treatment. Surviving animals of group Al were killed on day 3, and animals of successive groups were sacrificed every other day thereafter. Fluconazole treatment was stop ped in the corresponding B group. All surviving mice were killed on day 43. One hundred and thirty-eight mice mere evaluable. Yeast were seen in the k idney specimens of 77 mice; 66/77 of these, plus an additional 7 histologic ally-negative mice, were positive by PCR. The sensitivity and specificity o f the PCR test compared with histology mere 85.71% and 88.52%, respectively . In combination with blood cultures, PCR could be a useful diagnostic tool for invasive candidiasis in clinical settings.