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Part IV. Laboratory Diagnosis |
Diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis by CultureSafety Considerations, Traditional Methods, and Susceptibility Testing
DEANNA A. SUTTONa
a Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
Key Words: Coccidioides • culture • susceptibility • select agent
Address for correspondence: Deanna A. Sutton, Ph.D., M.T., S.M. (A.S.C.P.), R.M., S.M. (N.R.M.), Department of Pathology—MSC 7750, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900. Voice: 210-567-4032; fax: 210-567-4076. suttond{at}uthscsa.edu
The recovery of Coccidioides spp. by culture and confirmation utilizing the AccuProbe nucleic acid hybridization method by GenProbe remain the definitive diagnostic method. Biosafety considerations from specimen collection through culture confirmation in the mycology laboratory are critical, as acquisition of coccidioidomycosis by laboratory workers is well documented. The designation of Coccidioides spp. as select agents of potential bioterrorism has mandated strict regulation of their transport and inventory. The genus appears generally susceptible, in vitro, although no defined breakpoints exist. Susceptibility testing may assist in documenting treatment failures.
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