Molecular Assays for Identification of Echinocandin Resistant Fungi

Representative melting profiles for C. Glabrata after amplification of clinical isolates A) FKS1 HS1 primers B) FKS2 HS1 primers. DNA sequencing was used to confirm predicted genotypes (indicated by markers)

Invention Summary:

Fungal infections are as significant cause of mortality and morbidity when not rapidly diagnosed and treated. Echinocandin antifungal drugs are fist-line therapy for infections due to Candida species, but the emergence of drug-resistant fungi during therapy limits the ability of physicians to effectively treat fungal infections.

Rutgers researchers have developed PCR primers for detection of mutations in FKS1 and FKS2 associated with common resistance to echinocandin drugs. With this assay, physicians can quickly identify and immediately prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen to patients with fungal infections.

By allowing immediate administration of the most effective anti-fungal drugs, this assay would greatly improve outcomes for patients for serious fungal infections.

Market Applications:

• Detection of echinocandin-resistant fungi
  • C. albicans and C. glabrata
• Selection of appropriate antifungal drugs

Advantages:

• Rapid time to diagnosis (3 hr)
• Multiplexed assay
• Identification of appropriate treatment
• High sensitivity and specificity

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Issued patents in multiple jurisdictions, pending patent applications. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.

Select Publications:

1. Zhao Y et al, 2016, Rapid detection of FKS-associated echinocandin resistance  in Candida glabrata, Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 60:6573-6577
2. Dudiak et al, 2015, Quick detection of FKS1 mutations responsible for clinical echinocandin resistance in Cnadida albicans, J Clin Micrbiol, 53:2037-2014
3. Dudiak, C et al, 2014, Set of classical PCRs for detection of mutations in Candida glabrata KFS genes linked with echinocandin resistance, J Clin Microbiol,  52:2609-26144. Perlin, DS  2015, Echinocandin resistance in Candida.  Clin Infect Dis. 2015 Dec 1;61 Suppl 6:S612-7