Bosch Healthcare Solutions has developed a PCR test for detecting Candida auris (C. auris) on the Vivalytic platform. The test is a global innovation now available for order from distribution partners including Randox Laboratories and R-Biopharm.
This test enables the fully automated detection of the frequently multi-resistant fungus in less than an hour at the point of care. The rapid testing capability also makes it suitable for carrying out screenings when necessary. In contrast, traditional culture tests in centralised laboratories usually require one to three days, delaying diagnosis and the initiation of targeted treatment.
“Considering the heightened risk of severe progression in individuals with pre-existing conditions, we have developed a new test that enables clinics to respond more swiftly,” states Marc Meier, Managing Director of Bosch Healthcare Solutions.
Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those in intensive care, individuals with serious underlying conditions such as diabetes, or those who are immunosuppressed due to cancer or HIV, as well as patients about to undergo invasive surgery, face a heightened risk of active infection with C. auris. The mortality rate for C. auris infections ranges from 30-72%².
C. auris is spreading globally. In some states in the US, the annual incidence rate has been shown to increase by a factor of two to three. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also drew attention to a rise in cases within Germany during the past year in the Epidemiological Bulletin at the beginning of May 2024. The RKI points out that in specific areas screening could be beneficial. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already consider the screening of patients, visitors, and staff for C. auris as a crucial strategy to curb its spread in healthcare settings. While the fungus is harmless for healthy individuals, it can lead to severe nosocomial infections in patients at high risk and, if the fungus enters the bloodstream, can trigger sepsis.
The Vivalytic Analyser (pictured above) enables effortless testing directly at the point of care, with patient samples placed into a test cartridge, which already contains all necessary reagents. The cartridge is then inserted into the Vivalytic Analyser for automated processing. Bosch Healthcare Solutions says it is expecting CE certification for the Vivalytic C. auris test soon.