Latest Articles
MycologyPerformance of Two Novel Chromogenic Media for the Identification of Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Compared with Other Commercially Available FormulationsNon-albicans Candida species are emerging in the nosocomial environment, with the multidrug-resistant (MDR) species Candida auris being the most notorious example. Consequently, rapid and accurate species identification has become essential.
ImmunoassaysQuantitative Measurement of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: Analytical and Clinical EvaluationThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While molecular-based testing is used to diagnose COVID-19, serologic testing of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 is used to detect past infection.
VirologyCorrelation of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Antigen and RNA Concentrations in Nasopharyngeal Samples from Children and Adults Using an Ultrasensitive and Quantitative Antigen AssayDiagnosis of COVID-19 by PCR offers high sensitivity, but the utility of detecting samples with high cycle threshold (CT) values remains controversial. Currently available rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigens (Ag) have sensitivity well below PCR.
VirologyPerformance of Saliva Specimens for the Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Community Setting: Does Sample Collection Method Matter?Data on the performance of saliva specimens for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in ambulatory patients are scarce and inconsistent. We assessed saliva-based specimens for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) in the community setting and compared three different collection methods.
VirologyEvaluation of the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV Assay for Simultaneous Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B Viruses, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Nasopharyngeal SpecimensPatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A (flu A), influenza B (flu B), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have overlapping clinical presentations, but the approaches to treatment and management of infections caused by these viruses are different. Therefore, rapid diagnosis in conjunction with infection prevention measures is important to prevent transmission of the diseases....
Mycobacteriology and Aerobic ActinomycetesMycobactericidal Effects of Different Regimens Measured by Molecular Bacterial Load Assay among People Treated for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in TanzaniaRifampin or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) treatment has largely transitioned to regimens free of the injectable aminoglycoside component, despite the drug class’ purported bactericidal activity early in treatment. We tested whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis
CommentaryLessons in Public (Mis)communication about the Laboratory from the COVID-19 PandemicThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put the clinical laboratory in the spotlight. The news media is regularly seeking out interviews with microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, and pathologists.
BacteriologyTransmission and Antibiotic Resistance of Achromobacter in Cystic FibrosisAchromobacter species are increasingly being detected in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and this emerging pathogen is associated with antibiotic resistance and more-severe disease outcomes. Nonetheless, little is known about the extent of transmission and antibiotic resistance development in Achromobacter infections.
