Mucormycosis can be now detected in 48 hours by Bengaluru lab’s Dutch RT PCR kit

Bengaluru: A Dutch RT PCR kit has been validated by a Bengaluru lab to detect the presence of mucormycosis, through blood samples. The results can be obtained within 24 to 48 hours.

Presently, most of the patients are treated based on symptoms manifested in the nose, eyes, jaw and brain of infected people. The standard diagnosis method is to isolate the person and test for the fungus through cell culture studies. However, this takes 10 to 15 days during which the fungus spreads to the parts of the body and leads to the loss of vision or even life. Another test that is widely used is ‘KOH microscopy test’ and it produces swift results but it does not pick up the infection if the fungal load is less.

Now, to diagnose mucormycosis, the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL) of Narayana Nethralaya at Narayana Health City jas validated a Dutch RT PCR kit.

Dr Bhujang Shetty, chairman of Narayana Nethralaya said that the new RT PCR kit called  ‘MucorGenius’ can pick up nucleic acid from the fungus and it could save the patients’ eyesight and lives through early detection. The test costs Rs 7,000.

Dr Venkat Raman A, director, MDL, said, “The test works even if the fungal load is less as it detects genetic material or the nuclei code of the fungi. The test can detect five species of micro families called ‘pan mucorace’. Blood and tissue from the biopsy are considered biomarkers for the test.”

He said, “it picks up the infection by detecting fungal filaments. This is done by straining samples with potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation. It is the cheapest test available, but accuracy is an issue.”

Dr Shetty is also a member of the state government’s mucormycosis expert panel and he said that it is caused by a group of filamentous fungus belonging to a family called mucoraceae. He said, “Being an invasive disease, early diagnosis is of great importance. This test will help successfully manage patients with an appropriate anti-fungal treatment and avoid morbidity and mortality.”

MucorGenius has received CE-IVD (European Community In-Vitro Diagnostic Device) certification. Around 15 samples have been tested in the lab. The lab is already receiving samples from other private hospitals.