Quantitative real time PCR for distinction between infection/colonization in hospitalized patients.

Background: Identification of the opportunistic fungus in respiratory specimens presents challenges, particularly in differentiating between colonization and active infection. The present study assessed a probe-based real time PCR (qPCR) diagnostic effectiveness in patients with diverse underlying conditions, particularly those with COVID-19 and pulmonary insufficiency.

Methods: To set up the qPCR, clinical samples from 281 patients with respiratory ailments were tested.