ELITex krusei

Intended use

Candidas are usually commensal yeast of the digestive and urogenital mucosas. They become pathogenic only when favorable conditions arise in the host. C. krusei is generally a commensal yeast of mucous membranes and teguments, but it is also found in nature. This yeast is seldom isolated from clinical samples such as hemocultures (2%). However, the mortality rate attributed to C. krusei is high (40%), with primary resistance to certain azoles being a problem (fluconazole, itraconazole…). The isolation and rapid identification of C. krusei is thus essential for determining the correct therapeutic option. Traditionally, biochemical tests are used in the identification of C. krusei. The disadvantage of the carbon auxanogram (study of the assimilation of monosaccharides as a source of carbon and energy) and the zymogram (study of the use of monosaccharides in anaerobiosis), is that there is a long 24 to 48 hour wait before the tests can be read. ELITex krusei is a rapid identification test of C. krusei that uses latex particles sensitized with a specific C. krusei monoclonal antibody.

Principle

ELITex krusei test is based on the coagglutination of a C. krusei surface antigen with red latex particles that are sensitized with a monoclonal antibody. The dissociation of C. krusei colonies in the ELITex krusei reagent leads to an agglutination between blastospores and the latex particles. This positive reaction results in a red agglutination that is visible to the naked eye. With non-C. krusei yeast colonies, there is no agglutination and the suspension remains homogeneous and red. Handling is simple and fast, with results obtained within 5 minutes.

Simple protocol

1. For each culture to be tested, add 1 drop of homogenized TEST LATEX reagent into separate circle on the slide.
2. Using a Pasteur pipette or a wire loop, take 2-3 colonies.
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 5 minutes. A red agglutination may appear

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

Reagents and material

• TEST LATEX: Dispenser vial of 1.2 mL of sensitized latex
• TEST CARD: 4 disposable reaction cards

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

• Performance characteristics were determined by comparing ELITex kruseiwith the system ID32C (BioMerieux). The study was performed on 884 yeast isolates obtained after culture on Sabouraud agar at 37°C.
• The results obtained show a good correlation between both methods. Compared to ID32C, sensitivity was 98.8% and specificity of 100%.

Material required but nor provided

• 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).