Comparative Evaluation Of Vitek 2 System And Pcr Technique In Identification Of Candida Species

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the efficacy of the Vitek 2 system in comparison to the PCR technique in detecting Candida species in the laboratories. Thirty-four swab samples were collected randomly from healthy, non-immunodeficient children; all samples were cultured on the CHROM-Candida agar medium for primary identification and then confirmed the diagnosis by Vitek 2 Compact system and by PCR technique using ITs universal primers.
The data showed that 30 (88.23%) samples grow as positive for Candid spp. on CHROM-Candida agar medium. Fourteen out of 30(46.6%) isolates formed germ tube, the positive result were referred to rapid and presumptive identification technique, which differentiated C. albicans/ C. dubliniensis from other Candida species. All 30 isolates could grow on cornmeal agar ,but 17 (56.6%) of 30 isolates displayed the typical chlamydospores Vitek2 compact system data showed that from these 30 isolates, 24(80%) recognized as C. albicans, 4(13.3%) isolates as C. dubliniensis, and 2(6.6%) isolates as C. tropicalis, shows that C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis exhibited sensitivity to all antifungal used in this study. In contrast, the PCR technique showed 30 isolates 24(80%) identified as C. albicans, 4(13.3%) isolates as C. dubliniensis, and 2(6.6%) isolates as C. tropicalis. Candida spp. detection by CHROM-Candida agar medium. Finally,Both PCR and Vitek 2 compact are equally effective at detecting Candida spp. in laboratory samples. However, the PCR technique needs more tools, reagents, and facilities to complete the diagnostic process than the Vitek 2 System and has shortcomings in detecting antifungal susceptibility instantly.