Rapid detection of Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA

Sterile container

The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Histoplasma or Blastomyces species DNA is not likely.

Sterile container

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days

Ambient - 7 days

Frozen - 7 days

• Specimen in anaerobe vial or viral transport medium
• Feces
• Swab
• Tissue in formalin fluid
• Urine

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Not applicable

Infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis and Histoplasma capsulatum cause a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from self-limited, mild pulmonary illness to potentially life-threatening, disseminated disease. Primary infections are acquired through inhalation of conidia that are present in the environment. In the United States, most cases of blastomycosis and histoplasmosis occur along the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, although recent studies suggest the geographic area of endemicity may be expanding.

The gold standard for diagnosis of blastomycosis and histoplasmosis remains isolation of the organisms in culture. Although sensitive, recovery in culture and subsequent identification may require days to weeks. This polymerase chain reaction assay can provide rapid and specific detection and differentiation of B dermatitidis/gilchristii and H capsulatum directly from clinical specimens.