Invasive Mucormycosis and the Importance of Molecular Diagnostics

Abstract

Introduction: Mucormycosis, an infection, with a high death rate, requires understanding its symptoms, diagnosis methods and treatment options due, to its growing occurrence. The research employs a molecular method to evaluate the diagnosis of the mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, we obtained 30 samples from patients undergoing diagnosis and conducted DNA extraction. Additionally, DNA extraction was carried out on 30 tissue samples suspected of infection in paraffin blocks. Subsequently, PCR and Real-time PCR were performed using targeted primers, for mucormycosis followed by analysis of the results. Results: In the research findings among 30 liquid samples 8 tested positive, for mucor using the PCR method. 10 using the Real-time PCR method. Similarly, out of 30 tissue samples, 9 cases showed mucor presence with the PCR method and 11 cases, with the Realtime PCR method. Conclusion: In this study, real-time PCR and PCR techniques showed promising and faster results in detecting Mucor than the culture approach. The molecular methods provided results that could be of great use for scenarios. Keywords: Mucormycosis; Diagnosis; Real-time PCR.