Evaluation of the Eazyplex® Candida ID LAMP Assay for the Rapid Diagnosis of Positive Blood Cultures

Rapid molecular assays can be used to identify Candida pathogens directly from positive blood cultures (BCs) in a timely manner compared to standard methods using subcultures. In this study, the eazyplex (R) Candida ID assay, which is based on loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) and is currently for research use only, was evaluated for the identification of the most common fungal species. A total of 190 BCs were analysed. Sensitivity and specificity were 93.88% and 99.26% for C. albicans, 89.13% and 100% for Nakaseomyces glabratus (N. glabratus), 100% and 100% for Pichia kudravzevii (P. kudriavzevii), 100% and 100% for C. tropicalis, and 100% and 99.44% for C. parapsilosis. Sample preparation took approximately 11 min and positive amplification results were obtained between 8.5 and 19 min. The eazyplex (R) Candida ID LAMP assay is an easy-to-use diagnostic tool that can optimise the management of patients with candidemia.