The Role of the OLM CandID Real-Time PCR in the Invasive Candidiasis Diagnostic Surveillance in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Molecular techniques recently integrated the candidiasis diagnostic workflow, avoiding the culture-based prolonged turn-around time and lack of sensitivity. The present retrospective study evaluated the OLM CandID Real-Time PCR on serum samples in the early and rapid candidaemia diagnosis among ICU patients. The final purpose of the protocol was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a PCR assay in the invasive candidiasis diagnostic workflow due to the high sensitivity rates and species identification possibility. The evaluation screened 60 suitable patients, accounting for 10 probable and 7 proven candidiasis cases. Patients with at least a positive (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) value underwent molecular procedures. A sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 94.3%, a positive predictive value of 87.5%, and a negative predictive value of 91.7% emerged for the PCR assay. As a conclusion, <i>Candida</i> PCR assays may represent useful diagnostic assistance tools when applied together with serological markers and culture-based assays.