Liofilchem® Caspofungin CAS Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 5 µg

Liofilchem® Caspofungin CAS Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs are used for antifungal susceptibility testing to assess the effectiveness of Caspofungin against fungal pathogens. Caspofungin is an echinocandin antifungal that works by inhibiting the synthesis of β-(1,3)-D-glucan, a crucial component of the fungal cell wall, thereby disrupting the cell wall integrity and causing fungal cell death. This susceptibility testing is vital in identifying fungal strains susceptible or resistant to caspofungin, especially in cases of serious systemic infections.

Key Features & Benefits:

1. Accurate Susceptibility Testing:
   • The 5 µg disc of Caspofungin provides a precise and reliable tool for evaluating the antifungal susceptibility of various Candida species and other fungal pathogens.
   • Standardized testing based on the disk diffusion method ensures reproducibility and accuracy in susceptibility results, crucial for clinical decision-making.
2. High Sensitivity:
   • Liofilchem® discs are manufactured with a high level of quality control, ensuring that the Caspofungin concentration remains consistent across each disc, allowing for accurate zone of inhibition measurement and precise interpretation of results.
3. Ease of Use:
   • The discs are easy to handle and apply, and their use in standard microbiological testing methods, like the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, ensures that results are easy to interpret for laboratory technicians.
   • These discs are compatible with standard agar plates, making them an ideal choice for microbiology laboratories using widely available testing protocols.
4. Comprehensive Testing for Resistance:
   • The Caspofungin CAS disc is particularly useful in identifying fungal resistance in clinical isolates, which is important for adapting appropriate treatment strategies, especially in cases of systemic fungal infections such as candidiasis or aspergillosis.

Applications & Use Cases:

1. Clinical Microbiology Laboratories:
   • Fungal Infection Diagnosis: Used in clinical microbiology to determine the susceptibility of fungal pathogens to Caspofungin, particularly in cases of invasive infections like candidemia or aspergillosis.
   • Candida spp. Testing: Essential for determining the resistance or susceptibility of Candida species (e.g., Candida albicans, Candida glabrata) to caspofungin, which is commonly used in treating invasive candidiasis.
   • Invasive Aspergillosis: Often employed in susceptibility testing of Aspergillus species that cause infections in immunocompromised patients, helping clinicians choose the most effective antifungal treatment.
2. Antifungal Resistance Monitoring:
   • The discs are used in antifungal resistance surveillance programs, which track the development of resistance to caspofungin and other antifungal agents, especially in hospital settings where multidrug-resistant fungi pose a significant threat.
   • Helps in monitoring emerging echinocandin resistance, particularly among Candida glabrata and Aspergillus species, which can develop resistance over time and complicate treatment efforts.
3. Research and Academia:
   • Fungal Pathogenesis Studies: Used in research to investigate the pathogenesis of fungal infections and the mechanisms by which fungi acquire resistance to echinocandins like Caspofungin.
   • Susceptibility Profiles: Used in academic laboratories to generate susceptibility profiles of various fungal isolates, aiding in the study of antifungal drug efficacy and resistance mechanisms.
4. Hospital Infection Control:
   • Used by hospital laboratories to evaluate fungal resistance patterns, enabling informed decision-making regarding antifungal therapy for patients suffering from serious systemic fungal infections.
   • Helps optimize empiric antifungal therapy by providing reliable susceptibility data, crucial for treating critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Specifications:

• Concentration: 5 µg per disc.
• Method: Disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method.
• Target Organisms: Primarily used to test the susceptibility of Candida species, Aspergillus species, and other fungal pathogens.
• Interpretation: Zones of inhibition are measured, and the results are compared to standardized breakpoints to classify the microorganism as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant.

Storage and Handling:

• Storage Temperature: Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated) to maintain the integrity of the discs.
• Shelf Life: Typically stable for 12–24 months from the date of manufacture, as indicated on the packaging.
• Avoid Exposure: Do not expose to direct heat or moisture to ensure the discs retain their potency.
• For research use only.
• Not intended for diagnostic procedures.

Liofilchem® Caspofungin CAS Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs (5 µg) provide an essential tool for clinical laboratories in testing the effectiveness of Caspofungin against fungal pathogens. Their accuracy and ease of use make them indispensable in diagnosing fungal infections, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the emergence of antifungal resistance.