Candida albicans

Test code: F0002 - Qualitative detection of Candida albicans by polymerase chain reaction

Candidiasis, also known as monoliasis, is caused by a common yeast-like organism belonging to the Candida genus. When the infection occurs in the oral cavity, it is often called oral thrush. In severe cases, the infection can result in crop necrosis. Among the Candida genus, Candida albicans is the most commonly encountered species.

In birds, the disease is believed by some to be caused by overgrowth of the low numbers of Candida that are found as part of the normal flora. The infection may be primary or secondary to other systemic or oropharyngeal diseases. Vitamin A deficiency or prolonged antibiotic therapy, especially in young birds, predisposes birds to such infection. Others believe the sole source of infection is through eating foods contaminated by the yeast. While common in birds, candidiasis also affects some animals, including humans. From the limited number of correlation studies performed, it does appear that there is a correlation between an increased incidence of candidiasis and warm conditions, i.e. summer months.

Regurgitation, anorexia, and delayed crop emptying may result from infection of a bird’s crop with C. albicans,. Some birds develop a swollen, mucus-filled crop. White plaques may be present in the mouth if oral Candida is present. The symptoms must be differentiated from vitamin A deficiency, pox, and trichomonas infection in order to administer appropriate treatment. Feather problems around the crop due to irritation and beak abnormalities can result from chronic infection.

Since many birds have been previously exposed to this yeast, serological testing is not useful or reliable. Culture identification is labor intensive and cultures are often contaminated with other fungi. Molecular detection by PCR can provide quick, sensitive and specific detection of the fungus in a variety of specimen types.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Candida infection.
• Ensure that flocks are free of this yeast
• Early prevention of spread of this yeast
• Minimize personnel exposure to this yeast
• Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines that derive from birds

Specimen requirements: Tracheal swab or cloacal swab, shipped overnight at room temperature.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative PCR

Normal range: Nondetected