CHROMagar™ Candida Plus

CHROMagar™ Candida Plus is an advanced chromogenic culture medium specifically designed for the detection, differentiation, and presumptive identification of Candida species, including the multidrug-resistant pathogen Candida auris. It provides a high degree of specificity and sensitivity for clinical and environmental samples, making it a valuable tool for surveillance, outbreak management, and candidiasis diagnosis.

Key Features

1. Comprehensive Candida Detection:
   • Differentiates between major Candida species: C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. auris.
   • Ideal for identifying emerging pathogens, such as C. auris, with high specificity and sensitivity.
2. High Specificity and Sensitivity:
   • C. auris: Specificity and sensitivity of 100%.
   • C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei: Specificity of 100% (validated by peer-reviewed studies).
3. Fast and Reliable Results:
   • Results are available within 24-48 hours of incubation at 30-37°C in aerobic conditions.
   • Color-coded colony differentiation ensures easy visual identification.
4. Direct Identification:
   • Colonies can be identified directly using MALDI-TOF without subculture, saving time and resources.
5. Versatile Sample Application:
   • Suitable for a variety of clinical and environmental specimens, including swabs from skin, throat, ears, and vaginal areas, as well as sputum, urine, stool, and contaminated surfaces.
6. Screening and Surveillance Tool:
   • Useful for outbreak management and monitoring C. auris in patient and environmental samples.

Applications

• Clinical Microbiology:
  • Detection of Candida species from patient specimens for candidiasis diagnosis.
  • Surveillance and screening for C. auris in healthcare settings.
• Environmental Monitoring:
  • Screening of surfaces suspected of contamination during C. auris outbreaks.
• Outbreak Management:
  • Rapid identification of C. auris in healthcare facilities to guide containment efforts.

Test Procedure

1. Sample Preparation:
   • Collect samples using swabs or directly from sputum, urine, stool, or surfaces.
2. Inoculation:
   • Streak the sample onto the CHROMagar™ Candida Plus plate.
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate aerobically at 30-37°C for 24-48 hours.
4. Interpretation:
   • Examine colony colors for differentiation:
     • C. auris: Distinctive coloration for easy identification.
     • C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei: Unique chromogenic reactions for each species.

Advantages

1. Enhanced Pathogen Surveillance:
   • First chromogenic medium designed for C. auris detection and differentiation.
2. Rapid and Accurate Results:
   • Saves time by eliminating the need for subculture before identification.
3. Improved Outbreak Control:
   • Enables quick screening of patients and surfaces for C. auris contamination.
4. Validated Performance:
   • Backed by robust studies demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity.

Limitations

• Not Diagnostic:
  • Not intended for direct diagnosis or to guide treatment.
• Further Testing Required:
  • Additional microbiological testing or typing may be necessary to confirm results.

Storage and Stability

• Storage: Store at 2-8°C in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Shelf Life: Refer to the product label for expiration details.

CHROMagar™ Candida Plus is a powerful tool for laboratories handling Candida infections, offering high specificity, ease of use, and rapid differentiation of clinically relevant species, including the emerging multidrug-resistant C. auris.