ELITex Bicolor dubliniensis

Intended use

Candidas are usually commensal yeast of the digestive and urogenital mucosas. They become pathogenic only when favorable conditions arise in the host. Since 1995, a new Candida has been identified: C. dubliniensis. This species, close to C. albicans, shares with C. albicans many phenotypic characteristics, such as capacity to produce germ tubes and chlamydospores. These two species can easily be differentiated with molecular biology techniques: however it is time-consuming and requires special equipments. ELITex Bicolor dubliniensis is a rapid test that enables the identification of C. dubliniensis, using latex particles sensitized with a specific C. dubliniensis monoclonal antibody. This test allows the differentiation between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.

Principle

ELITex Bicolor dubliniensis test is based on the coagglutination of C. dubliniensis blastospores with blue latex particles in suspension in a red dye. The latex particles are sensitized with a monoclonal antibody which specifically detects a C. dubliniensis surface antigen. The dissociation of C. dubliniensis colonies in the TEST LATEX reagent leads to an agglutination between blastospores and the latex particles. This positive reaction results in a blue agglutination (that could progressively spread towards the periphery) on a red background. The agglutination is visible to the naked eye. With non-C. dubliniensis yeast colonies, and particularly with C. albicans colonies, there is no agglutination. The suspension remains homogeneous and purple. Handling is simple and fast, with results obtained within 5 minutes.

Simple protocol

1. For each culture to be tested add 20 µL of homogenized TEST LATEX reagent into separate circle on the slide.
2. Using a Pasteur pipette or a wire loop or a stick, take 2-3 colonies from a 24, 48 to 72 hours culture.
3. Transfer the colonies in the drop of TEST LATEX reagent and spread them to cover the entire surface of the circle until a homogeneous suspension is obtained.
4. Manually, gently rock the slide for 3 to 5 minutes. A blue agglutination on a pink or red or purple background may appear.

Easy-to-read and easy-to-interpret results

Reagents and Material

Stability and storage

• Reagent stored at 2-8°C, in its original state, is stable up to the expiry date indicated on the box. It must not be frozen.
• The results of the stability study indicate that the product has a stability of 18 months at 2-8°C from its manufacture.

Performance

• ELITex Bicolor dubliniensis consists of latex particles sensitized with monoclonal antibodies that ensure the specificity and sensitivity of the reaction.
• A study, carried out on 200 yeast isolates, compared of ELITex Bicolor dubliniensis performances to molecular biology technique and to the ID 32C system (BIOMERIEUX).
• The results indicate sensitivity of 98 % and specificity of 100 %. The high sensitivity of the test allows performing the reaction with 1 to 10 strains without zone phenomenon.

Material required but not provided

• Automatic pipette(s) with a pipetting volume adapted to the volume that will be measured
• Pasteur pipette or wire loop
• Contaminated waste container

Manufacturer: ELITech Microbio.
Product(s) intended for healthcare professionals.
Read the instructions on the label and/or instructions for use of the product(s).