Patent Publication Number: US-2020299788-A1

Title: Methods and compositions for identifying and quantifying microbial dna

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/351,654, filed on Jun. 17, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying microbial DNA in the tissues or body fluid samples of patients. More particularly, the invention relates to two-step polymerase chain reaction based methods for identifying microbial DNA in the tissues or body fluid samples of patients, and compositions therefor. Microbial DNA can also be quantified using the methods described herein. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     Molds (i.e., toxigenic and other septate molds) are ubiquitous in the environment. Mold is the common name for various types of fungi. Molds are usually found in moist, warm environments. Because molds grow in wet or moist indoor environments, people are exposed to molds or their byproducts through either direct contact, or through the air, if molds or mold byproducts are aerosolized. Exposure to molds can cause a number of adverse effects including allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and infections, particularly in individuals with immune system deficiencies. 
     Adverse effects from molds may occur when individuals are exposed to large doses of chemicals, known as mycotoxins, which are fungal metabolites (Samson et al., 1985; Burge, 1.990; Flannigan et al., 1991). Mycotoxins have toxic effects ranging from severe irritations, such as allergic reactions and asthma, to immuno-suppression and cancer. Most mycotoxins are cytotoxic and exert their effects by interfering with vital cellular processes such as protein, RNA, and DNA synthesis. As a result, mycotoxins may be damaging to the skin, the lungs, the gut, and the like. The combined outcome may increase the susceptibility of the exposed individual to infectious diseases and, possibly, to cancer. Almost all of the studies to date focus on disease induced by mycotoxins ingested in contaminated food (Baxter et al., 1981), but mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungal spores and can enter the body through the respiratory tract. 
     In heavily contaminated environments, neurotoxic symptoms related to airborne mycotoxin exposure have been reported (Croft et al., 1986). Skin is another potential route of exposure to the mycotoxins of several fungi which have caused cases of severe dermatosis (Vennewald and Wollina, 2005). These same molds may cause invasive mold infection among patients with diseases which render the patient immuno-suppressed such as leukemia, lymphoma, and many cancers (Kontoyiannis, D P et al, 2005). The mold infections in such patients are often fatal with a documented fatally rate of 92% (Paterson and Singh, 1999). 
     A definitive and early diagnosis of a fungal infection is crucial for patient treatment and management. Several reasons for the late diagnosis of fungal infections include the lack of good clinical specimens, the difficultly in differentiating invasive mold infections from other types of infections, the lack of identification of molds with special stains in pathological specimens (i.e., these assays have a high error rate, a low sensitivity, and low specificity), and the lack of an ability to obtain an antibody-based diagnosis in immuno-compromised patients. 
     Thus, reliable, sensitive, specific, and rapid methods for mold detection and/or quantitation in patient body fluids and tissues are needed. Applicant&#39;s present invention is based on the development of reliable, sensitive, specific, and rapid methods for detecting fungal DNA, and other microbial DNA, in patient body fluids and tissues to determine the cause of diseases related to infections (e.g., mold infections) so that effective treatment regimens can be developed. 
     In one embodiment a method of identifying a specific fungal species in a patient tissue or a patient body fluid is provided. The method comprises extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid, amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon, amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers, hybridizing an isolated probe to the amplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye, and identifying the specific fungal species. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided of determining if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection. The method comprises extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid, amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon, amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers, hybridizing an isolated probe to the amplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye, identifying the specific fungal species to determine if the patient is at risk for or has developed the disease state related to a fungal infection. 
     In still another embodiment, a kit is provided. The kit comprises a purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55 and 56, or with a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, and a fluorescently labeled probe. 
     In yet another aspect, a purified nucleic acid is provided with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     In another embodiment, a purified nucleic acid is provided that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     In another aspect, a purified nucleic acid is provided comprising a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     Several additional embodiments of the invention are described in the following enumerated clauses. Any combination of the following embodiments is also contemplated along with any applicable combination with the embodiments described in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS section of this patent application. 
     1. A method of identifying a specific fungal species in a patient tissue or a patient body fluid, the method comprising,
         extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid,   amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon,   amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers,   hybridizing an isolated probe to the amnplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye, and   identifying the specific fungal species.       

     2. The method of clause 1 wherein the amplifying steps are performed with primers that hybridize to the fungal DNA or to the amplicon. 
     3. The method of clause 1 or 2 wherein the body fluid is selected from the group consisting of urine, nasal secretions, nasal washes, bronchial lavages, bronchial washes, spinal fluid, sputum, gastric secretions, seminal fluid, other reproductive tract secretions, lymph fluid, whole blood, blood from a blood card, serum, huffy coat, and plasma. 
     4. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the fungal DNA is amplified using PCR. 
     5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4 wherein the amplicon is amplified using PCR. 
     6. The method of clause 4 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR. 
     7. The method of clause 5 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR. 
     8. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7 wherein the fungal species is selected from the group consisting of  Aspergillus niger, Aspergithis flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei , and  Candida parapsilosis.    
     9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8 wherein the first set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2, SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4, SEQ ID NOS:5 and 6, SEQ ID NOS:7 and 8, SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS:11 and 12, SEQ ID NOS:13 and 14, SEQ ID NOS:15 and 16, SEQ NOS: 17 and 18, and SE ID NOS: 55 and 56. 
     10. The method any one of clauses 1 to 9 wherein the second set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:20 and 21, SEQ NOS:23 and 24, SEQ ID NOS:26 and 27, SEQ ID NOS:29 and 30, SEQ ID NOS:32 and 33, SEQ ID NOS:35 and 36, SEQ ID NOS:38 and 39, SEQ ID NOS:41 and 42, SEQ ID NOS:44 and 45, SEQ ID NOS:47 and 48, and SEQ ID NOS: 58 and 59. 
     11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 10 wherein the probe is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, and 57. 
     12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 11 wherein the fungal DNA or the amplicon is from internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. 
     13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises a fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair. 
     14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 13 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises FAM. 
     15. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises dCAL FLUOR Orange 560. 
     16. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 1.5 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises BHQ. 
     17. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 16 further comprising quantifying fungal DNA. 
     18. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 17 wherein the method can be used to detect 0.1 ng of the fungal DNA. 
     19. A method of determining if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, the method comprising,
         extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid,   amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon,   amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers,   hybridizing an isolated probe to the amplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye,   identifying the specific fungal species to determine if the patient is at risk for or has developed the disease state related to a fungal infection.       

     20. The method of clause 19 wherein the amplifying steps are performed with primers that hybridize to the fungal DNA or to the amplicon. 
     21. The method of clause 19 or 20 wherein the body fluid is selected from the group consisting of urine, nasal secretions, nasal washes, bronchial lavages, bronchial washes, spinal fluid, sputum, gastric secretions, seminal fluid, other reproductive tract secretions, lymph fluid, whole blood, blood from a blood card, serum, buffy coat, and plasma. 
     22. The method of any ane of clauses 19 to 21 there the fungal DNA is amplified using PCR. 
     23. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 22 wherein the amplicon is amplified using PCR. 
     24. The method of clause 22 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR.
         25. The method of clause 23 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR.   26. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 25 wherein the fungal species is selected from the group consisting of  Aspergillus niger, Aspergithis flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei , and  Candida parapsilosis.          

     27. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 26 wherein the first set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ NOS:1 and 2, SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4, SEQ ID NOS:5 and 6, SEQ ID NOS:7 and 8, SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS:11 and 12, SEQ ID NOS:13 and 14, SEQ ID NOS:15 and 16, SEQ ID NOS: 17 and 18, and SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56. 
     28. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 27 wherein the second set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:20 and 21, SEQ ID NOS:23 and 24, SEQ ID NOS:26 and 27, SEQ ID NOS:29 and 30, SEQ ID NOS:32 and 33, SEQ ID NOS:35 and 36, SEQ ID NOS:38 and 39, SEQ NOS:41 and 42, SEQ ID NOS:44 and 45, SEQ NOS:47 and 48, and SEQ ID NOS: 58 and 59. 
     29. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 28 wherein the probe is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, and 57. 
     30. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 2.9 wherein the fungal DNA or the amplicon is from internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. 
     31. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 30 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises a fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair. 
     32. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 31 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises FAM. 
     33. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 32 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises dCAL FLUOR Orange 560. 
     34. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 33 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises BHQ. 
     35. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 34 further comprising quantifying the fungal DNA. 
     36. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 35 wherein the method can be used to detect 0.1 ng of the fungal DNA. 
     37. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 36 further comprising developing an effective treatment regimen for the patient. 
     39. A kit comprising a purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55 and 56, or with a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, and a fluorescently labeled probe. 
     40. A purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     41. A purified nucleic acid that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     42. A purified nucleic acid comprising a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     43. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 37 further comprising identifying a mycotoxin in the patient tissue or body fluid. 
     44. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 37 wherein the fungal DNA is amplified in a separate reaction vessel than the amplicon. 
     45. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3′7, 43, or 44 wherein the fungal DNA is detected by amplifying the fungal DNA using the first set of primers to produce the amplicon, and amplifying the amplicon using the second set of primers, but is not detected using a single real-time PCR amplification step. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of DNA testing by a two-step PCR method described herein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to methods for identifying or detecting the presence of molds (i.e., fungi) in patient tissue and body fluids. The identification and detection methods are based on amplification of fungal DNA using polymerase, chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. The methods and compositions (e.g., primers and probes) for amplification of fungal DNA are specific and sensitive and avoid co-amplification of or do not co-amplify non-specific human or animal nucleic acids. 
     Several additional embodiments of the invention are described in the following enumerated clauses. Any combination of the following embodiments is also contemplated along with any applicable combination with the other embodiments described in this DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS section of this patent application. 
     1. A method of identifying a specific fungal species in a patient tissue or a patient body fluid, the method comprising,
         extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid,   amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon,   amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers,   hybridizing an isolated probe to the amplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye, and   identifying the specific fungal species.       

     2. The method of clause 1 wherein the amplifying steps are performed with primers that hybridize to the fungal DNA or to the amplicon. 
     3. The method of clause 1 or 2 wherein the body fluid is selected from the group consisting of urine, nasal secretions, nasal washes, bronchial lavages, bronchial washes, spinal fluid, sputum, gastric secretions, seminal fluid, other reproductive tract secretions, lymph fluid, whole blood, blood from a blood card, serum, huffy coat, and plasma. 
     4. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the fungal DNA is amplified using PCR. 
     5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4 wherein the amplicon is amplified using PCR. 
     6. The method of clause 4 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR. 
     7. The method of clause 5 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR. 
     8. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7 wherein the fungal species is selected from the group consisting of  Aspergillus niger, Aspergithis flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei , and  Candida parapsilosis.    
     9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8 wherein the first set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2, SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4, SEQ ID NOS:5 and 6, SEQ ID NOS:7 and 8, SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS:11 and 12, SEQ ID NOS:13 and 14. SEQ ID NOS:15 and 16, SEQ ID NOS: 17 and 18, and SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56. 
     10. The method any one of clauses 1 to 9 wherein the second set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:20 and 21, SEQ NOS:23 and 24, SEQ ID NOS:26 and 27, SEQ ID NOS:29 and 30, SEQ ID NOS:32 and 33, SEQ ID NOS:35 and 36, SEQ ID NOS:38 and 39, SEQ ID NOS:41 and 42, SEQ ID NOS:44 and 45, SEQ ID NOS:47 and 48, and SEQ ID NOS: 59 and 59. 
     11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 10 wherein the probe is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, and 57. 
     12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 11 wherein the fungal DNA or the amplicon is from internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. 
     13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises a fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair. 
     14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 13 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises FAM. 
     15. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises dCAL FLUOR Orange 560. 
     16. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 15 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises BHQ. 
     17. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 16 further comprising quantifying the fungal DNA. 
     18. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 17 wherein the method can be used to detect 0.1 ng of the fungal DNA. 
     19. A method of determining if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, the method comprising,
         extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid,   amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon,   amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers,   hybridizing an isolated probe to the amplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye,   identifying the specific fungal species to determine if the patient is at risk for or has developed the disease state related to a fungal infection.       

     20. The method of clause 19 wherein the amplifying steps are performed with primers that hybridize to the fungal DNA or to the amplicon. 
     21. The method of clause 19 or 20 wherein the body fluid is selected from the group consisting of urine, nasal secretions, nasal washes, bronchial lavages, bronchial washes, spinal fluid, sputum, gastric secretions, seminal fluid, other reproductive tract secretions, lymph fluid, whole blood, blood from a blood card, serum, huffy coat, and plasma. 
     22. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 21 wherein the fungal DNA is amplified using PCR. 
     23. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 2.2 wherein the amplicon is amplified using PCR. 
     24. The method of clause 22 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR. 
     25. The method of clause 23 wherein the PCR is real-time PCR. 
     26. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 25 wherein the fungal species is selected from the group consisting of  Aspergillus niger, Aspergithis flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei , and  Candida parapsilosis.    
     27. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 26 wherein the first set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2, SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4, SEQ ID NOS:5 and 6, SEQ ID NOS:7 and 8, SEQ ID NOS:9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS:11 and 12, SEQ ID NOS:13 and 14, SEQ ID NOS:15 and 16, SEQ ID NOS: 17 and 18, and SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56. 
     28. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 27 wherein the second set of primers is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:20 and 21, SEQ ID NOS:23 and 24, SEQ ID NOS:26 and 27. SEQ ID NOS:29 and 30, SEQ ID NOS:32 and 33, SEQ ID NOS:35 and 36, SEQ ID NOS:38 and 39, SEQ ID NOS:41 and 42, SEQ ID NOS:44 and 45, SEQ ID NOS:47 and 48, and SEQ ID NOS: 58 and 59. 
     29. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 28 wherein the probe is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, and 57. 
     30. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 29 wherein the fungal DNA or the amplicon is from internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. 
     31. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 30 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises a fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair. 
     32. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 31 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises FAM. 
     33. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 32 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises dCAL FLUOR Orange 560. 
     34. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 33 wherein the at least one fluorescent dye comprises BHQ. 
     35. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 34 further comprising quantifying the fungal DNA. 
     36. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 35 wherein the method can be used to detect 0.1 ng of the fungal DNA. 
     37. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 36 further comprising developing an effective treatment regimen for the patient. 
     39. A kit comprising a purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, or with a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, and a fluorescently labeled probe. 
     40. A purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     41. A purified nucleic acid that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     42. A purified nucleic acid comprising a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     43. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 37 further comprising identifying a mycotoxin in the patient tissue or body fluid. 
     44. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 37 wherein the fungal DNA is amplified in a separate reaction vessel than the amplicon. 
     45. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 37, 43, or 44 wherein the fungal DNA is detected by amplifying the fungal DNA using the first set of primers to produce the amplicon, and amplifying the amplicon using the second set of primers, but is not detected using a single real-time PCR amplification step. 
     In various illustrative embodiments, body fluids that can be tested for the presence of fungal DNA, include, but are not limited to, urine, nasal secretions, nasal washes, inner ear fluids, bronchial lavages, bronchial washes, alveolar lavages, spinal fluid, bone marrow aspirates, sputum, pleural fluids, synovial fluids, pericardial fluids, peritoneal fluids, saliva, tears, gastric secretions, stool, reproductive tract secretions, such as seminal fluid, lymph fluid, and whole blood, blood from a blood card, huffy coat, serum, or plasma. These samples can be prepared for testing as described herein. In various embodiments, tissue samples can include tissue biopsies of hospital patients or out-patients and autopsy specimens. As used herein, the term “tissue” includes, but is not limited to, biopsies, autopsy specimens, cell extracts, tissue sections, aspirates, tissue swabs, and fine needle aspirates. 
     As used herein, the word “patient” means a human or an animal, such as a domestic animal (e.g., a dog or a cat). Accordingly, the methods and compositions disclosed herein can be used for both human clinical medicine and veterinary applications. In one aspect, the patient afflicted with a disease state related to a fungal infection can be a human, or in the case of veterinary applications, can be a laboratory, agricultural, domestic or wild animal. In one embodiment, the methods and compositions described herein can be applied to patients including, but not limited to, humans, laboratory animals such as rodents (e.g., mice, rats, hamsters, etc.), rabbits, monkeys, chimpanzees, domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and rabbits, agricultural animals such as cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and wild animals in captivity such as bears, pandas, lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, gorillas, dolphins, and whales. 
     In various embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein can be used to detect or identify microbial DNA (e.g., fungal DNA). As used herein, the terms “fungal,” “fungi,” and “fungus” include yeasts. In illustrative embodiments, the DNA that can be identified or detected includes DNA from microbes selected from the group consisting of  Absidia coerulea, Absidia glauca, Absidia corymbifera, Acremonium strictum, Alternaria alternata, Apophysomyces elegans, Saksena vasiformis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus fumigatus, Neosartoryta fischeri, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus phoenicus, Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus ostianus, Aspergillus auricomus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus caesillus, Aspergillus conicus, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus usius, Aspergillus versicolor, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium herbarum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Conidiobolus coronatus, Conidiobolus incongruus, Cunninghamella elegans, Emericella nidulans, Emericella rugulosa, Emericilla quadrilineata, Apicoccum nigrum, Eurotium amstelodami, Eurotium chevalieri, Eurotium herbariorum, Eurotium rubruin, Eurotiutu repens, Geometrica candiduria, Geotrichum klebahnii, Memnoniella echinata, Mortierella polycephala, Mortierella wolfii, Mucor mucedo, Mucor amphibiorum, Mucor circinelloides, Mucor heimalis, Mucor indicus, Mucor racemosus, Mucor ramosissimus, Rhizopus azygosporous, Rhizopus homothalicus, Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus oligosporus, Rhizopus oryzae, Myrothecium verrucaria, Myrothecium roridum, Paecilornyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces variotii, Penicillium freii, Penicillium verrucosum, Penicillium hirsutum, Penicillium alberechii, Penicillum attrantiogriseum, Penicillium polonicum, Penicillium viridicaturn, Penicillium hirsutum, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium griseofulvum, Penicilliurra glandicola, Penicillium coprophilum, Eupenicillium crustaceum, Euperticillium egyptiacum, Penicillium crustosum, Penieillium citrinum, Penicillium sartorvi, Penicillium westlingi, Penicillium corylophilum, Penicillium decumbens, Penicillium echinulatum, Penicillium soliturn, Penicillium camembertii, Penicillium commune, Penicillium echinulatum, Penicillium sclerotigenum, Penicillium italicum, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium fellutanum, Penicillium charlesii, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium raperi, Penicillium madriti, Penicillium gladioli, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium roquelortii, Peraicilliraral simplicissimum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium spinulosum, Penicillium glabrum, Penicillum pupurescens, Eupenicillium lapidosum, Rhizomucur miehei, Rhizomucor pusillus, Rhizomucor variabilis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Scopulariopsis asperula, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Scopulariopsis furca, Scopulariopsis brurnptii, Scopulariopsis chartarum, Scopulariopsis sphaerospora, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma citroviride, Trichoderma atroviride, Trichoderma koningii, Ulocladium atrum, Ulocladium chartarum, Ulocladium botrytis, Wallemia sebi, Stachybotrys chartarum , and the like. 
     In embodiments where the microbe is a fungal species, the microbe is typically selected from the group consisting of  S. chartarum, S. prolificans, A. versicolor, A. vesicularis, A. niger, A. terreus, P. chrysogenum, P. verrucosum, G. candidum, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. ochraceus, A. paraciticus, A. sydowii, A. ustus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, C. parapsilosis, solani, F. chlamydosporum, Geometrica candidum, P. aurantiogriseum, P. citrinum, P. corylophilum, P. crustosum, P. expansum, P. fellutanum, P. roquefortii, P. simplicissimum, S. echinata , and  E. amstelodami . In one embodiment, the molds (i.e., fungi) can be black, toxigenic molds. In another embodiment where the microbe is a fungal species, the microbe is selected from the group consisting of  A. niger, A. terreus, G. candidum, A. flavus, A. fumigants, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei , and  Candida parapsilosis.    
     In some embodiments, real-time PCR-based methods can be used to amplify the fungal DNA and to detect and identify fungal DNA. In other embodiments, traditional PCR can be used. In one aspect, the amplification of the fungal DNA is performed using traditional PCR and the amplification of the amplicon is performed using real-time PCR. In another embodiment, the amplification of the fungal DNA and the amplification of the amplicon are both performed using real-time PCR. In one aspect of the methods described herein, the amplification of the fungal DNA is performed using traditional PCR (e.g., without a labeled probe or labeled target DNA) and the amplification of the amplicon is performed using real-time PCR. PCR is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,202 and 4,800,159, incorporated herein by reference, and methods for real-time and traditional PCR are well-known in the art. In one illustrative aspect, real-time PCR combines amplification and simultaneous monitoring of the amplication by, for example, detection of increases in fluorescence, such as with SYBR® Green to achieve sensitive and specific detection of microbial DNA (e.g., fungal DNA) in real-time thereby providing instant detection of microbial DNA (e.g., fungal DNA). In this embodiment, the time to detect or identify the fungus and to obtain a diagnosis is greatly reduced. A diagram depicting an embodiment of a method described herein is shown in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, primers with sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 are used to amplify fungal DNA in a first PCR step, and probes and primers with sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS: 19 to 48 and 57 to 59 are used to amplify and detect, in a second PCR step, the amplicon that results from the first PCR step. In this embodiment, the first PCR step and the second PCR step can be performed in different reaction vessels. In another embodiment, primers with sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS: 60 and 61 are used to amplify fungal DNA in a first PCR step, and probes and primers with sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS: 62 to 64 are used to amplify and detect, in a second PCR step, the amplicon that results from the first PCR step. In this embodiment, the first PCR step and the second PCR step can be performed in different reaction vessels. Exemplary primers and their target DNAs that can be used in the first PCR step are shown below. Primer “NE” and “Primer NR” refer to a forward primer and a reverse primer, respectively. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus niger   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NF1 5′-aggaagtaaaagtcgtaacaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 2) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NR1 5′-cgcatttcgctgcgttcttc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus flavus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 3) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NF1 5′-aggaagtaaaagtcgtaacaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 4) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NR1 5′-cacatttcgctgcgttcttc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus fumigatus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 5) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NF1 5′-aggaagtaaaagtcgtaacaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 6) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NR1 5′-cgcatttcgctgcgttcttc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus terreus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 7) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFAT 5′-gactattgtaccttatgcttc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 8) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRAT 5′-cattagttatcgcatttcgctg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida albicans   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 9) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCA 5′- tagcgaacaagtacagtgatg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 10) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCA 5′-ctcggtctaggctggcag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida tropicalis   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 11) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCT 5′-atggaaagatgaaaagaactttg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 12) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCT 5′-gctggcagtatcgacgaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida glabrata   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 13) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCG 5′-gcttgggactctcgcag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 14) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCG 5′-ggcatataaccattatgccag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida krusei   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 15) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCK 5′-aaaccaacagggattg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 16) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCK 5′-cccaaacaactcgac 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida parapsilosis   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 17) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCP 5′- CGTGAAATTGTTGAAAGGGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 18) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCP 5′ - CTGGCAGTATCGACAAAGAC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida auris   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 55) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NCAUF - 5′- GAATCGCTCCGGCGAGTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 56) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NCAUR - 5′- TGTACTTGTTCGCTATCGGTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Rhizopus/Mucor  species 
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 60) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer MucorF - 5′- TACGTCCCTGCCCTTTGTAC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 61) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer MucorR -5′- GGAACCTTGTTACGACTTTTAC 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Exemplary probes and primers and their target DNAs that can be used in the second PCR step are shown below. Primer “F” and “Primer R” refer to a forward primer and a reverse primer, respectively. Other primers and probes that can be used in the second PCR step are described in U.S. Appl. Publication No. 20130183697, incorporated herein by reference. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                 Target -  Aspergillus niger   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 19) 
               
               
                 Probe niger: 5′-TGTCTATTGTACCCTGTTGCTTC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 20) 
               
               
                 Primer F1: 5′-CGTAGGTGAACCTGCCGGAAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 21) 
               
               
                 Primer R1: 5′ -ATCGATGCCGGAACCAAGAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Geotmetrica candidum   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 22) 
               
               
                 Probe 6 geo: 5′-AACGCACATTGCACTTTGGGGTATC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 23) 
               
               
                 Geo F1H: 5′-GGATCTCTTGGTTCTCGTATC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 24) 
               
               
                 Geo R1H: 5′-CTTGATCTGAGGTTGAATAGTG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Aspergillus flavus   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 25) 
               
               
                 Probe flav: 5′-CCCGCCATTCATGGCCGCCGGG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 26) 
               
               
                 Primer F1: 5′-CGTAGGTGAACCTGCGGAAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 27) 
               
               
                 Primer R1: 5′-ATCGATGCCGGAACCAAGAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Aspergillus fumiganis   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 28) 
               
               
                 Probe fumi: 5′-AAAGTATGCAGTCTGAGTTGATTATC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 29) 
               
               
                 Primer F1: 5′-CGTAGGTGAACCTGCGGAAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 30) 
               
               
                 Primer R1: 5′- ATCGATGCCGGAACCAAGAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Aspergillus terreus   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 31) 
               
               
                 Probe: 5′- AGTCTGAGTGTGATTCTTTGCAATC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 32) 
               
               
                 Primer F: 5′-ACATGAACCCTGTTCTGAAAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 33) 
               
               
                 Primer R: 5′-CCAAGAGATCCATTGTTGAAAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Candida albicans   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 34) 
               
               
                 Probe CA: 5′ -TCGGGGGCGGCCGCTGCGG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 35) 
               
               
                 Primer F: CA 5′ -AAAAAGTACGTGAAATTGTTG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 36) 
               
               
                 Primer R: CA 5′ -AAGCCGTGCCACATTC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Candida krusei   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 37) 
               
               
                 Probe CK: 5′ -AAGGCGCTTGTCCAAGTCCCTTG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 38) 
               
               
                 Primer F: CK 5′ -TCAGTAGCGGCGAGTGAAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 39) 
               
               
                 Primer R: CK 5′ -AGAAGGGCCTCACTGCTTC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Candida glabrata   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 40) 
               
               
                 Probe CG: 5′ -ACCTAGGGAATGTGTCTCTGCG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 41) 
               
               
                 Primer F: CG 5′ -TGGGCCAGCATCGGTTTTG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 42) 
               
               
                 Primer R: CG 5′ -CCTAGATAACAAGTATCGCAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Candida tropicalis   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 43) 
               
               
                 Probe CT: 5′ - TCGGGGGTGGCCTCTACAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 44) 
               
               
                 Primer F: CT 5′ -AAAAAGTACGTGAAATTGTTG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 45) 
               
               
                 Primer R: CT 5′ - AAGCCGTGCCACATTC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Candida parapsilosis   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 46) 
               
               
                 Probe CparP1: 5′-CCTCTACAGTTTACCGGGCCAGCATCA 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 47) 
               
               
                 Primer CparF1: 5′-GATCAGACTTGGTATTTTGTATGTTACTCTC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 48) 
               
               
                 Primer CparR1: 5′-CAGAGCCACATTTCTTTGCAC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Candida auris   
               
               
                 (SEQ HD NO: 57) 
               
               
                 Probe CAUP -5′ - CTGCTTTTGCTAGTGCTTCCTGTG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 58) 
               
               
                 Primer CAUF - 5′- CGAGGTGTTCTAGCAGCAG 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 59) 
               
               
                 Primer CAUR - 5′- ATTTAGCCTTAGATGGAATTTAC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Target -  Rhizopus/Mucor  species 
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 62) 
               
               
                 Probe MucP1- 5′-CCGATTGAATGGTTATAGTGAGCATATGGGATC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 63) 
               
               
                 Primer NS92F - 5′- CACCGCCCGTCGCTAC 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (SEQ ID NO: 64) 
               
               
                 Primer MucR1 - 5′- CCTAGTTTGCCATAGTTCTCAGCAG 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In the described embodiments, the  Rhizopus/Mucor  species primers and probes detect multiple fungal species, including  Mucor  species (such as  Mycocladus  sp., including  Lichtheimia  ( Absidia, Mycocladus ), amphibiorum, circinelloides, hiemalis, indicus, mucedo, racemosus, ampsissimus),  Rhizopus  species (such as azygosporus, homothalicus, microsporotus, obligosporus, oryzae), and  Rhizomucor  species. 
     In various embodiments, sample preparation (i.e., preparation of target fungal DNA or extracting the fungal DNA) involves rupturing the cells (e.g., cells of the tissue or fungal spores in patient body fluid or patient tissue) and isolating the DNA from the lysate. Techniques for rupturing cells and for isolation of DNA are well-known in the art. For example, cells may be ruptured by using a detergent or a solvent, such as phenol-chloroform. DNA may be separated from the lysate by physical methods including, but not limited to, centrifugation, pressure techniques, or by using a substance with affinity for DNA, such as, for example, silica heads, or by column purification. After sufficient washing, the isolated DNA may be suspended in either water or a buffer. In other embodiments, commercial kits are available, such as QIAGEN®, NUCLISENSM™, and WIZARD™ (Promcga), PROMEGAM™, and QIAAMP® DSP DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). Methods for isolating DNA are described in Sambrook et at, “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 3rd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, (2001), incorporated herein by reference. 
     In various embodiments described herein, the primers and probes used for amplification of the target DNA (e.g., fungal DNA) and for detection, identification, and quantitation of the target DNA (e.g., fungal DNA) are oligonucleotides from about ten to about one hundred, more typically from about ten to about thirty or about six to about twenty-five base pairs long, but any suitable sequence length can be used. In illustrative embodiments, the primers and probes may be double-stranded or single-stranded, but the primers and probes are typically single-stranded. In one aspect, the primers and probes described herein are capable of specific hybridization, under appropriate hybridization conditions (e.g., appropriate buffer, ionic strength, temperature, formamide, and MgCl 2  concentrations), to a region of the target DNA (e.g., fungal DNA). In one embodiment, the primers and probes described herein are designed based on having a melting temperature within a certain range, and substantial complementarily to the target DNA. Methods for the design of primers and probes are described in Sambrook et al. “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 3rd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, (2001), incorporated herein by reference. 
     In various aspects, the primers and probes described herein for use in PCR can be modified by substitution, deletion, truncation, and/or can be fused with other nucleic acid molecules wherein the resulting primers and probes hybridize specifically to the intended targets and are useful in the methods described herein for amplification of the target DNAs. In other embodiments, derivatives can be made such as phosphorothioate, phosphotriester, phosphoramidate, and methylphosphonate derivatives that specifically bind to single-stranded DNA or RNA (Goodchild et al.,  Pro. Natl. Acad. Sci.  83:4143-4146 (1986)). 
     In one illustrative aspect, the methods and compositions described herein encompass isolated or purified nucleic acids. An “isolated” or “purified” nucleic acid molecule is substantially free of other cellular material or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques, or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. Preferably, an “isolated” or “purified” nucleic acid is free of sequences that naturally flank the nucleic acid in the genomic DNA of the organism from which the nucleic acid is derived. For example, in various embodiments, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can contain less than about 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb, or 0.1 kb of nucleotide sequences that naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid is derived. 
     In other embodiments, nucleic acids complementary to the probes and primers described herein are contemplated, and those that hybridize to the nucleic acids described herein or those that hybridize to their complements under highly stringent conditions are also contemplated. In accordance with the methods described herein, “highly stringent conditions” means hybridization at 65° C. in 5×SSPE and 50% formamide, and washing at 65° C. in 0.5×SSPE. Conditions for low stringency and moderately stringent hybridization are described in Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 3rd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, (2001), incorporated herein by reference. In some illustrative aspects, hybridization occurs along the full-length of the nucleic acid. 
     In other illustrative aspects, nucleic acid molecules having about 60%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, 96%, 97%, and 98% homology to the probes and primers described herein can be used in the methods or compositions described herein. Determination of percent identity or similarity between sequences can be done, for example, by using the GAP program (Genetics Computer Group, software; now available via. Accelrys on http://www.accelrys.com), and alignments can be done using, for example, the ClustalW algorithm (VNTI software, InforMax Inc.). For example, a sequence database can be searched using the nucleic acid sequence of interest. Algorithms for database searching are typically based on the BLAST software (Altschul et al., 1990). In some embodiments, the percent identity can be determined along the full-length of the nucleic acid. 
     As used herein, the term “complementary” refers to the ability of purine and pyrimidine nucleotide sequences to associate through hydrogen bonding to form double-stranded nucleic acid molecules. Guanine and cytosine, adenine and thymine, and adenine and uracil are complementary and can associate through hydrogen bonding resulting in the formation of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules when two nucleic acid molecules have “complementary” sequences. In one embodiment, the complementary sequences can be DNA or RNA sequences. The complementary DNA or RNA sequences are referred to as a “complement.” 
     Techniques for synthesizing the probes and primers described herein are well-known in the art and include chemical syntheses and recombinant methods. Such techniques are described in Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 3rd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, (2001), incorporated herein by reference. Primers and probes can also be made commercially (e.g., CytoMol, Sunnyvale. Calif. or Integrated DNA Technologies, Skokie, Ill.). Techniques for purifying or isolating the probes and primers described herein are well-known in the art. Such techniques are described in Sambrook et al. “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 3rd Edition. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, (2001), incorporated herein by reference. The primers and probes described herein can be analyzed by techniques known in the art, such as restriction enzyme analysis or sequencing, to determine if the sequence of the primers and probes is correct. 
     In various embodiments of the methods and compositions described herein, the probes and primers can be labeled, such as with fluorescent compounds, radioactive isotopes, antigens, biotin-avidin, colorimetric compounds, or other labeling agents known to those of skill in the art, to allow detection, indentification, and quantification of amplified DNA, such as by Real-time PCR. In illustrative embodiments, the labels may include 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM™), TET™ (tetrachloro-6-carboxyfluorescein), JOE™ (2,7,-dimethoxy-4,5-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein), VIC™, HEX (hexachloro-6-carboxyfluorescein), TAMRA™ (6-carboxy-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylrhodamine), BHQ®, dCAL™ FLUOR® Orange 560, SYBR® Green, ALEXA FLUOR® 350, ALEXA FLUOR® 430, AMCA, BODIPY® 630/650, BODIPY® 650/665, BODIPY®-FL, BODIPY®-R6G, BODIPY®-TMR, BODIPY®-TRX, Cascade Blue, CY®3, CY®5,6-FAM™, Fluorescein, OREGON GREEN® 488. OREGON GREEN® 500, OREGON GREEN® 514. PACIFIC BLUE™, REG, Rhodamine Green, Rhodamine Red, ROX™, and/or TEXAS RED®. 
     In one embodiment, the methods and compositions (e.g., primers and probes) for amplification of DNA (e.g., fungal DNA) can be highly specific and avoid co-amplification of or do not co-amplify non-specific nucleic acids. In various embodiments, methods can detect 0.1 ng/ml of DNA, 0.2 ng/ml of DNA, 0.3 ng/ml of DNA, 0.4 ng/ml of DNA, 0.5 ng/ml of DNA, 0.6 ng/ml of DNA, 0.7 ng/ml of DNA, 0.8 ng/ml of DNA, 0.9 ng/ml of DNA, 1.0 ng/ml of DNA, 2.0 ng/ml of DNA, or 3.0 ng/ml of DNA. In one embodiment, the DNA is fungal DNA. In various embodiments, the method described herein may detect as few as 1 copy, 2 copies, 3 copies, 4 copies, 5 copies, 6 copies, 7 copies, 8 copies, 9 copies, 10 copies, 20 copies, 30 copies, 40 copies, 50 copies, 60 copies, 70 copies, 80 copies, 90 copies, 100 copies, 200 copies, 300 copies, 400 copies, 500 copies, 600 copies, 700 copies, 800 copies, 900 copies, or 1000 copies of fungal DNA. In another aspect, the fungal DNA is detected using a two-step PCR method (i.e., two amplification steps), wherein the fungal DNA cannot be detected using a single amplification step (e.g., a single real-time PCR step). In another embodiment, the fungal DNA is detected using two amplification steps (e.g., amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon, and amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers and a probe or other label), but is not detected using a single amplification step (e.g., a single real-time PCR step). 
     In one illustrative embodiment, universal probes can be used to provide a method for determining the presence of fungal DNA before conducting target-specific assays for a DNA target. In one embodiment, universal probes and primers can be used to detect the presence of  Aspergillus  and  Penicillium  species (see probes and primers for Fungal Universal Group 1 below). In another embodiment, universal probes and primers can be used to detect the presence of  Stachybotrys  and  Fusarium  species (see probes and primers for Fungal Universal Group 2 below). In these embodiments, the probes and primers can be homologous for all targets of interest related to  Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys , and  Fusarium  species. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Fungal Universal Group 1 
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 49) 
               
               
                   
                 UP1: 5′- cctcggatcaggtagggatac 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 50) 
               
               
                   
                 UF1: 5′-atgcctgtccgagcgtcatt 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 51) 
               
               
                   
                 UR1: 5′- ttcctccgcttattgatatg  
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fungal Universal Group 2 
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 52) 
               
               
                   
                 Up2: 5′- acggatctcttggctaggcatc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 53) 
               
               
                   
                 F2: 5′- gcggagggatcattaccgag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 54) 
               
               
                   
                 UR2: 5′- ttcactgaattctgcaattcac 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In another illustrative embodiment where fungal DNA is identified, the methods described herein can be used in combination with identifying and, optionally, quantitating a fungal mycotoxin in a patient tissue or a patient body fluid. In this embodiment, the mycotoxin can be identified by a method comprising the steps of extracting and recovering the mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin, and identifying the myocotoxin. 
     Illustratively, patient (e.g., human or animal) tissue is received in 1.) a 10% formalin fluid or 2.) in a paraffin block in which the tissue has been fixed in formalin. In one embodiment for mycotoxin detection and quantitation, the tissue can then be processed by various dehydration steps and finally embedded in paraffin. In this embodiment, the tissue can then be cut in 3-5 micron samples. In an illustrative embodiment, approximately 25-35 mg of tissue can then be processed as described in U.S. Appl. Publication No. 20130183697, incorporated herein by reference. Illustratively, body fluids can be prepared as described in U.S. Appl. Publication No. 20130183697, incorporated herein by reference, or by other methods known in the art. In another illustrative embodiment, patient body fluids can be tested for the presence of mycotoxins. Illustratively, any antigen associated with a fungus or with a mycotoxin can be detected. Any of the methods described herein for fungal DNA or mycotoxin identification or quantification or for sample preparation can be preformed as described U.S. Appl. Publication No. 20130183697, incorporated herein by reference. 
     In one aspect, the methods and compositions for detection and quantification of mycotoxins can also be very specific and sensitive. (e.g., the methods can detect 1.0 ng/ml of aflatoxins, 0.2 ng/ml of tricothecenes, and 2 ng/ml of ochratoxins, or less). Specificity of mycotoxins was tested in each group (Tricothecenes, Aflatoxins. Ochratoxins) by testing known samples of mycotoxins (obtained from Trilogy Laboratories, Washington, Missouri, and from Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) in each mycotoxin test as described in U.S. Appl. Publication No. 20130183697, incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, there were no cross-over reactions or cross-over detection of mycotoxins between the groups. In illustrative embodiments. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA), or affinity chromatography can be used to detect mycotoxins produced by toxic molds. Illustratively, the mycotoxins can be aflatoxins, ochratoxins, or tricothecenes (e.g., Verrucarins A, B and J, Roridin A, E, H, and L-2, Satratoxins F, G, and H, Verrucarol, isosatratoxin F, G, and H, and T-2, or other macrocyclic mycotoxins). Illustrative of antibody-based assays that can be used to identify mycotoxins are the Tricothecene kit (Envirologix, Inc., Portland, Me.), the AFLATEST® (VICAM, Inc.), the OCHRATEST™ (VICAM Inc.), and LUMINEX®-based assays. 
     In the embodiment where mycotoxins are also identified and quantitated, control samples of the patient body fluid or patient tissue sample to be analyzed can be obtained from patients with no documented history of exposure to molds or mycotoxins. For example, negative control samples can be obtained from autopsy specimens for which the patient had no exposure to mycotoxins or molds (e.g., victims of motor vehicle accidents, coronary artery disease, or myocardial infarction). For positive controls, for example, samples of negative tissue and/or body fluids can be spiked with known positive amounts of mycotoxins or spores prior to evaluation to generate a calibration curve. In another aspect, a calibration reagent (or multiple calibration reagents) can also be used to identify and quantitate mycotoxins. A “calibration reagent” means any standard or reference material containing a known amount of the mycotoxin (i.e., a mycotoxin or a mycotoxin antigen). In this embodiment, the sample suspected of containing the mycotoxin and the calibration reagent (or multiple calibration reagents) can be assayed under similar conditions, and the mycotoxin concentration is then calculated by comparing the results obtained for the unknown sample with the results obtained for the calibration reagent(s). Illustrative calibrators for the mycotoxins can be obtained from producers of the Tricothecene kit (Envirologix, Inc., Portland, Me.) and producers of the AFLATEST® and OCHRATEST™ kits (VICAM Inc., Watertown, Mass.), or from Trilogy Laboratories (Washington, Mo.). In another embodiment, Beacon Analytical Systems Inc. kits (Saco, Me.) can be used for the detection of mycotoxins. 
     In one embodiment, an appropriate instrument for PCR can be used to amplify or detect an amplicon or to quantitate fungal DNA in the two-step PCR method as described herein (e.g. APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument or CEPHEID SMART CYCLER® II Instrument). In another embodiment, the first amplification step may be performed using a SMART CYCLER® II instrument. In another embodiment, the second amplification or detection step may be performed using an APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument. In another aspect, the DNA amplified is fungal DNA. In another aspect, the DNA detected or quantified is fungal DNA. In these embodiments, any combination of instruments can be used in the first and second amplification and detection steps, and/or for quantitation. 
     In another embodiment, a method is provided for determining if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection. The method comprises extracting and recovering fungal DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or the patient body fluid, amplifying the fungal DNA using a first set of primers to produce an amplicon, amplifying the amplicon using a second set of primers, hybridizing an isolated probe to the amplicon to identify the specific fungal species, wherein the probe is labeled with at least one fluorescent dye, identifying the specific fungal species to determine if the patient is at risk for or has developed the disease state related to a fungal infection. 
     In any embodiment involving “determining if the patient has developed the disease state related to the fungal infection,” this phrase means “diagnosing the patient to determine if the patient has a fungal infection.” 
     Thus, these method embodiments provide methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Patients in need of diagnosis of a fungal infection can include cancer patients, post-operative patients, transplant patients, patients undergoing chemotherapy, immunosuppressed patients, and the like. These patients may experience symptoms of fungal infections including sinusitis, allergic reactions, headaches, and skin rashes. In one embodiment, patients in need of diagnosis may include humans or animals. 
     In one embodiment, for diagnosing fungal infections, kits are provided. The kits are useful for identifying, detecting, or quantitating microbial DNA (e.g., fungal DNA) in a patient tissue or body fluid. In one embodiment, a kit is provided comprising a purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, or with a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, and a fluorescently labeled probe. In the embodiment where the kit is used to identify fungal DNA, the kit can contain the probes and/or primers described herein, such as a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 or a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56, components to extract and isolate fungal DNA, and components for DNA amplification, such as a heat stable DNA polymerase (e.g., Taq polymerase or Vent polymerase), buffers, MgCl 2 , H 2 O. and the like. In one embodiment, the reagents can remain in liquid form. In another embodiment, the reagents can be lyophilized. In another illustrative embodiment, the kit can also contain instructions for use. 
     In another embodiment, a kit is provided comprising a purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2, SEQ ID NOS: 3 and 4, SEQ ID NOS: 5 and 6, SEQ ID NOS: 7 and 8, SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS: 11 and 12, SEQ ID NOS: 13 and 14, SEQ ID NOS: 15 and 16, SEQ ID NOS: 17 and 18, SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56, and SEQ ID NOS: 60 and 61, or with a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2, SEQ ID NOS: 3 and 4, SEQ ID NOS: 5 and 6, SEQ ID NOS: 7 and 8, SEQ ID NOS: 9 and 10, SEQ ID NOS: 11 and 12, SEQ ID NOS: 13 and 14, SEQ ID NOS: 15 and 16, SEQ ID NOS: 17 and 18, SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 56, and SEQ ID NOS: 60 and 61, and a fluorescently labeled probe. 
     In yet another embodiment, a kit is provided comprising a purified nucleic acid with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21, SEQ ID NOS: 23 and 24, SEQ ID NOS: 26 and 27, SEQ ID NOS: 29 and 30, SEQ ID NOS: 32 and 33, SEQ ID NOS: 35 and 36, SEQ ID NOS: 38 and 39, SEQ ID NOS: 41 and 42, SEQ ID NOS: 44 and 45, SEQ ID NOS: 47 and 48, SEQ ID NOS: 58 and 59, and SEQ ID NOS: 63 and 64, or with a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 20 and 21, SEQ ID NOS: 23 and 24, SEQ ID NOS: 26 and 27, SEQ ID NOS: 29 and 30, SEQ ID NOS: 32 and 33, SEQ ID NOS: 35 and 36, SEQ ID NOS: 38 and 39, SEQ ID NOS: 41 and 42, SEQ ID NOS: 44 and 45, SEQ ID NOS: 47 and 48, SEQ ID NOS: 58 and 59, and SEQ ID NOS: 63 and 64, and a fluorescently labeled probe. 
     In one embodiment, the fluorescently labeled probe comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, and 57. In yet another embodiment, the fluorescently labeled probe comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 57, and 62. 
     In another embodiment, a purified or isolated nucleic acid is provided with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. In still another embodiment, a purified or isolated nucleic acid that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a sequence selected from SEQ TD NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 is provided in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. In yet another embodiment, a purified or isolated nucleic acid is provided comprising a complement of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, and 56 in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. In another embodiment, a purified or isolated nucleic acid is provided with a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 18, 55, 56, 60, and 61, or complements thereof, in combination with fluorescently labeled target DNA. 
     In accordance with the methods and compositions described herein, “highly stringent conditions” means hybridization at 65° C. in 5×SSPE and 50% formamide, and washing at 65° C. in 0.5×SSPE. 
     The following examples provide illustrative methods for carrying out the practice of the present invention. As such, these examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein Double Amplification Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (DART PCR) refers to an embodiment of the two-step PCR method as described in the EXAMPLES. 
     Example 1 
     Samples and Sample Preparation 
     Human urine was received in 5-10 mL quantities as first in the morning voided urines. Serums were received with the blood clot removed prior to receipt and a minimum of 1 mL of serum was frozen or used. Nasal secretions were obtained from hospital patients or out-patients. Fixed autopsy and surgical biopsy specimens were obtained from patients who had a history of exposure to fungi. These samples were obtained from hospital pathology departments or coroners&#39; offices. Tissue samples and body fluid samples were also obtained from patients who had no exposure to fungi and were used as a negative control group. 
     Example 2 
     Blood Nucleic Acid Extraction 
     Preparation and the extraction of total nucleic acid from whole blood, blood card, plasma, serum, buffy coat, lymphocytes, and body fluids was accomplished using the following procedure. 
     Specimens 
     Whole blood, blood card, plasma, serum, buffy coat, lymphocytes, and body fluids were used for this extraction protocol, 200.0 uL of sample was used for this extraction. After collection red blood cells are stored at 4° C. and blood cards may be stored at room temperature until processed. 
     Materials 
     QIAAMP® DSP DNA Mini Kit (Cat. No. 51306; obtained from Qiagen Inc.) for purification of DNA, QIAAMP® DSP DNA Mini Kit mini spin columns in 2 mL collection tubes, 2 mL collection tubes, Buffer ATL, Buffer AL, Buffer AW1, Buffer AW2, Buffer AE (buffers from, for example, QIAAMP® DSP DNA Mini Kit, cat. no. 61304 Qiagen Inc.), Proteinase K, Ethanol (96-100%), 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 15.0 mL conical tubes, Rnase-free, sterile pipet tips with aerosol barrier for pipettes, blood cards when appropriate, and Phosphate Buffered Solution (PBS) were used. The buffers and Proteinase K (PK) were all stored at room temperature and the spin columns were stored at 2-8° C. 
     Procedure 
     Blood Card Preparation (if Needed). 
     A blood card was inoculated with four drops of whole blood provided by a patient or control making sure to totally cover the inoculation square of the blood card and allowed to dry completely. In other embodiments, the blood card is prepared by a third party and provided. Next, a sterile scalpel was used to cut out the dried blood square from the blood card and placed in a sterile 15.0 mL conical tube. Then, 500.0 uL of PBS was added to the 15.0 mL conical tube containing the blood card square. The solution was set for 1 hour with periodic vortexing of the solution. The conical tubes were stored at 4° C. until ready for processing. 
     Whole Blood Preparation (if Needed). 
     Whole blood contained in a tube provided by a patient or control was spun in a centrifuge at 20,000 RPM for ten minutes. Red and white cells at the bottom of the tube were pipetted out and moved into a labeled 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tube. The cells were stored at 4° C. until ready for further processing. 
     Buffers. 
     Buffers ATL and AL may form precipitates upon storage. If a precipitate formed in either buffer, the buffer was incubated at 55° C. until the precipitate had fully dissolved. Buffers AW1 and AW2 were supplied as concentrates. Before using these buffers for the first time, the appropriate amounts of ethanol (96-100%) were added to Buffers AW1 and AW2 as indicated on the bottles. A heat block was set to 55° C. for use in the procedure. 
     Preparation of Samples. 
     2.0 mL tubes, spin columns, and final collection tubes were labeled with the number corresponding to the patient sample or control. Samples were equilibrated to room temperature if refrigerated or frozen prior to beginning the procedure. In order to extract nucleic acids from the sample, 20.0 uL of PK was pipetted into the bottom of each 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tube, 200.0 uL of sample was added to the microcentrifuge tube containing the PK. Next, 200.0 uL Buffer AL was added to the sample, and mixed by pulse-vortexing for fifteen seconds. The sample was then incubated at 56° C. for ten minutes. The 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tube was briefly centrifuged to remove drops from the inside of the lid. Next, 200.0 uL ethanol (96-100%) was added to the sample and mixed again by pulse-vortexing for fifteen seconds. After mixing, the 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tube was briefly centrifuged to remove drops from inside the lid. 
     Next, the liquid mixture was pipetted from each 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tube and moved into the corresponding mini spin column that sat in a 2 mL collection tube. The columns were centrifuged in a microcentrifuge at 8000 RPM for one minute, and the collection tubes containing flow through were discarded. Each spin column was placed in a new 2.0 mL collection tube, 500.0 uL of Buffer AW1 was added to each column, centrifuged at 8000 RPM for one minute, and the collection tubes containing flow through were discarded. Each spin column was placed in a new 2.0 mL collection tube, 500.0 uL of Buffer AW2 was added to each column and centrifuged at 13,000 RPM for five minutes. Each spin column was placed in a new 2.0 mL collection tube and centrifuge at 13,000 RPM for one minute. Spin columns were removed carefully from the collection tubes and collection tubes containing flow through were discarded. Spin columns were placed in their corresponding 1.5 mL elution tube, 200.0 uL of Buffer AE was pipetted into each spin column and incubated for one minute at room temperature. The spin columns were centrifuged at 8000 RPM for one minute, the spin columns and caps were discarded, and the extracted nucleic acid samples were stored at −10 to −25.9° C. 
     Example 3 
     First Amplification Method Using Real-Time PCR of Extracted Nucleic Acids from a Blood Sample 
     A procedure for an initial amplification step in the Double Amplification Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (DART PCR) methodology described herein for the qualitative detection of the following fungal targets using an APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR platform and SYBR® Green was accomplished using the following procedure. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
                 
                   Candida 
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 
                   niger 
                 
                 
                   albicans 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   flavus 
                 
                 
                   kruseii 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   fumigatus 
                 
                 
                   glabrata 
                 
               
               
                   
                 
                   terreus 
                 
                 
                   tropicalis 
                 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Specimens 
     Nucleic acids extracted from whole blood, blood card, plasma, serum, buffy coat, lymphocytes, and body fluids are appropriate specimens for this procedure. A minimum of 200.0 uL of sample was used for the extraction as described in Example 1. 
     Materials 
     DSP Reagents and Consumables. 
     RT 2 ™ SYBR® Green ROX® FAST Mastermix (2) (Cat. No. 330620; obtained from Qiagen Inc.), PCR grade purified water, 96 well real-time optical plates (Cat. No. 4346906; obtained from Life Technologies, Inc.), MICROAMP® optical adhesive film (Cat. No. 4360954 obtained from Life Technologies, Inc.), 1.5 mL tubes, barrier pipette tips capable of 200.0 μL volumes, barrier pipette tips capable of 1000.0 uL volumes, barrier pipette tips capable of 20.0 uL volumes, and specifically engineered first set of primers detailed below were used. Each first set of primers was designed for a specific fungal target. Each first set of primers includes a forward and a reverse primer. SYBR® Green has an absorption wavelength at 494 nm and an emission wavelength at 521 nm. 
     Target and Corresponding Engineered First Set of Primers: 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus niger   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 1) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NF1 5′-AGGAAGTAAAAGTCGTAACAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 2) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NR1 5′-CGCATTTCGCTGCGTTCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus flavus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 3) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NF1 5′-AGGAAGTAAAAGTCGTAACAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 4) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NR1 5′-CGCATTTCGCTGCGTTCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus fumigatus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 5) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NF1 5′-AGGAAGTAAAAGTCGTAACAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 6) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NR1 5′-CGCATTTCGCTGCGTTCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus terreus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 7) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NATF 5′-GACTATTGTACCTTGTTGCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 8) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NATR 5′-CATTAGTTATCGCATTTCGCTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida albicans   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 9) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCA 5′- TAGCGAACAAGTACAGTGATG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 10) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCA 5′-CTCGGTCTAGGCTGGCAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida tropicalis   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 11) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCT 5′-ATGGAAAGATGAAAAGAACTTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 12) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCT 5′-GCTGGCAGTATCGACGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida glabrata   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 13) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCG 5′-GCTTGGGACTCTCGCAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 14) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCG 5′-GGCATATAACCATTATGCCAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida krusei   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 15) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NFCK 5′-AAACCAACAGGGATTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 16) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer NRCK 5′-CCCAAACAACTCGAC 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Procedure 
     Processing Controls. 
     Every clinical sample processed was inoculated with spores from the internal control target  Geometrica  to show that a negative target result is a true negative result and not related to the extraction of the sample. The samples were processed, amplified, and detected utilizing primer and probes specific for  Geometrica . A positive control for each target of interest was processed along with each clinical sample in each real-time PCR run. This positive control was extracted from tissue, spore solutions, or purchased from a vendor. The positive control showed that the primer and probe set for each target (as described in Example 2 and Example 5) is not being inhibited and showed that a negative result is a true negative. A negative control for each target of interest was processed along with each clinical sample in each real-time PCR run. The negative control was extracted from tissue or water. The negative control showed that the primer and probe set (as described in Example 2 and Example 5), water, and extraction reagents for each target were not contaminated with the target and showed that a positive result is a true positive. The controls were tested in parallel with kit lots currently in use. 
     Dilution of Primer Stocks. 
     Primers were stored at −10 to −25.9° C. and upon reconstitution were stored at room temperature while stil lyophilized. Lyophilized primers were resuspended in PCR grade water to a final concentration of 100 uM. As an illustration, if the synthesis yields 38.6 nMoles, then 386 uL of PCR grade water was added to achieve 100 uM concentration. A 10 uM working stock from the 100 uM primer stocks was prepared by adding 50 uL of 100 uM stock primer to 450 uL of molecular grade water for a final volume of 500 uL and a final concentration of 10 uM. 
     Reaction Setup. 
     The reaction setup for one reaction is shown below. A reaction consisted of 19.0 uL of reaction mix and 1.0 uL of extracted nucleic acids (e.g. DNA), and each reaction was run in duplicate or triplicate. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stock Conc. 
                 Work Conc. 
                 Per/RXN 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 2x Master Mix 
                 2X 
                 1X 
                 10.0 uL  
               
               
                   
                 Primer 1 
                 10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Primer 2 
                 10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 na 
                 na 
                 7.0 uL 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 TOTAL 
                 19.0 uL  
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Cycling Parameters. 
     The APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument and software cycling profile is illustrated for the nested procedure and the run parameters for this program are outlined below. 
     Step 1 (1 Cycle) 
     
         
         Hot Start: 95° C. for 10 minutes
 
Step 2 (40 cycles)
 
         Denature: 95° C. for 10 seconds 
         Anneal: 60° C. 30 seconds 
       
    
     Master Mix Preparation. 
     A 1.5 mL tube was labeled for each target requiring a master mix and placed in a tube rack inside a PCR cabinet containing thawed working primer and primer/probe stocks. Approximately 1.0 mL of PCR grade purified water to be used in the master mix setup was aliquoted into a 1.5 mL tube. Next, the appropriate amount of RT 2 ™ SYBR® Green ROX® FAST Mastermix (2) was pipetted into each of the labeled 1.5 mL reaction tubes. Next, the appropriate amount of each primer working stock was pipetted into each master mix tube. In this step two primers, one forward and one reverse, were added to the assay. Next, the appropriate amount of molecular grade water was added to each master mix tube. After all components have been delivered into the appropriate 1.5 mL tubes, the tubes were capped and solutions mixed completely utilizing a tube vortexer. Volumes may differ depending on the number of reactions processed. An example reaction mix is as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Assay 1 
                 7 
                 RXN # 
                 12 
                 Plus (10%) 
                 13.0 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 20.0 uL Reaction with 19.0 uL of mastermix and 1.0 uL of DNA 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Stock Conc. 
                 Work Conc. 
                 Per/RXN 
                 Mastermix 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 2x mm 
                 2X 
                 1X 
                 10.0 
                 130.0 
               
               
                 PRI R 
                 10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 
                 13.0 
               
               
                 PRI F 
                 10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 
                 13.0 
               
               
                 Water 
                 na 
                 Na 
                 7.0 
                 91.0 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Mini Mix Preparation and Plate Loading. 
     Each 1.5 mL tubes for each sample, the positive control, the negative control, and the no template control were placed in a 96 well tube rack, 60.8 uL (for triplicate) or 40.8 uL (for duplicate) of each master mix was pipetted into the corresponding mini mix tubes, 3.2 uL (for triplicate) or 2.2 uL (for duplicate) of extracted sample DNA or control DNA was pipetted into the tubes. Then all 1.5 mL tubes were closed and vortexed. In a 96 well real-time optical plate, 20.0 uL of each mini mix containing sample or control was pipetted into three wells (for triplicate) or two wells (for duplicate) of an optical plate. After the optical plate was loaded, the plate was lightly tapped on the bench top several times to insure that the liquid was at the bottom of the well. Optical adhesive film was applied to the plate evenly and covered all 96 wells of the optical plate. The plate was placed in the 4° C. refrigerator while the run setup on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument was performed. 
     APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast Setup and Run. 
     The APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument and software was used to analyze the amplification. 
     Results Interpretation. 
     A positive result was defined as any amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 1 and 40 of the real-time PCR run. A negative result was defined as no amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 1 and 40 of the PCR run. An equivocal result was defined as amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold after or at cycle 40, a control out of range, or questions regarding sample integrity. A control that was positive for the target being tested and showed that the assay detected the presence of target DNA and that there was not PCR inhibition was a valid positive control. A control that was negative for the target being tested and showed that the reagents or the sample were not contaminated with the target prior to the testing of the sample was a valid negative control. 
     The following are exemplary tables: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Reportable 
                 Crossing 
                 Positive 
                 Negative 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                 Point 
                 Control 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Unreportable 
                 Crossing 
                 Positive 
                 Negative 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                 Point 
                 Control 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 4 
     Alternative First Amplification Method Using PCR of Extracted Nucleic Acids from a Blood Sample 
     An alternative procedure for an initial amplification step in the Double Amplification Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (DART PCR) methodology for the qualitative detection of fungal targets uses an APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast or EPPENDORF® MASTERCYCLER® PCR platform and gel electrophoresis according to the following procedure. 
     Specimens 
     Whole blood, blood card, plasma, serum, buffy coat, lymphocytes, and body fluids are appropriate specimens for this extraction protocol, 200.0 uL samples were used for this extraction. After collection red blood cells were stored a 4° C. and blood cards were stored at room temperature until processed. 
     Materials 
     Taq DNA Polymerase 250U (Cat. No. 201203; obtained from Qiagen Inc.; stored at −20° C.), dNTP Mixture 25 mM (Cat. No. 201203; obtained from New England Biolabs), BSA Solution 8 ug/uL (stored at 4° C.), PCR grade purified water, eight well strip tubes (Cat. No. 10-177; obtained from Genesee Scientific), barrier pipette tips capable of 200.0 μL volumes, barrier pipette tips capable of 1000.0 uL volumes, barrier pipette tips capable of 20.0 uL, and specifically engineered first set of primers as detailed in Example 2 were used. Each first set of primers was designed for a specific fungal target. Each first set of primers includes a forward and a reverse primer. 
     Procedure 
     Processing Controls. 
     Controls were processed as previously described in Example 3. 
     Dilution of Primer Stocks. 
     Primer stocks were diluted as previously described in Example 3. 
     Reaction Setup. 
     The reaction setup for an example reaction is shown below. A reaction consisted of 20.0 uL of reaction mix and 5.0 uL of extracted nucleic acids (e.g. DNA), and each reaction was run in duplicate or triplicate. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stock Conc. 
                 Per/RXN 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 PCR Buffer 
                 10X 
                 2.5 
                 uL 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 MgCl2 (As Needed)* 
                 25 
                 mM 
                 NA 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 dNTP 
                 10 
                 mM 
                 1.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Primer 1 (Ex. NFCA) 
                 10 
                 uM 
                 2.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Primer 2 (Ex. NRCA) 
                 10 
                 uM 
                 2.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Enzyme (Taq) 
                 2.5 
                 U 
                 .5 
                 uL 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 ddH2O 
                 NA 
                 12.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                 20.0 
                 uL 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Adjuvant 
                 8 
                 ug/uL 
                 5.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     MgCl 2  was used as needed in the reaction setup (see further setup examples below). The reaction setup for a master mix was prepared for multiple reactions using the target Specific Worksheet tables below. 
     Use setup for:  A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger 

 
     Use setup for:  A. terreus 

 
     Use setup for:  C. albicans 

 
     Use setup for:  C. glabrata 

 
     Use setup for:  C. tropicalis 

 
     Use setup for:  C. kruseii 

 
     Cycling Parameters (Cycling Parameters Used for Specific Targets).
           Aspergillus fumigatus, flavus, niger , and  terreus        Candida albicans, glabrata, tropicalis          

     Step 1 (1 Cycle)
         Hot Start: 95° C. for 10 minutes       

     Step 2 (35 cycles)
         Denature: 94° C. for 45 seconds   Anneal: 60° C. for 45 seconds   Extension: 72° C. for 1 minute       

     Step 3 (1 Cycle)
         Extension: 72° C. for 7 minutes   Hold: 4° C. Indefinitely       

     
       Candida Kruseii  
     
     Step 1 (1 Cycle)
         Hot Start: 95° C. for 5 minutes       

     Step 2 (35 cycles)
         Denature: 94° C. for 45 seconds   Anneal: 54° C. for 45 seconds   Extension: 72° C. for 1 minute       

     Step 3 (1 Cycle)
         Extension: 72° C. for 7 minutes   Hold: 4° C. Indefinitely       

     Master Mix Preparation. 
     A target Specific Worksheet table described above was used to prepare the amount of master mix needed. A 1.5 mL tube for each target requiring a master mix was labeled and placed in a tube rack inside the PCR cabinet also containing the working primer stocks. Approximately 1.0 mL of PCR grade purified water was aliquoted into an additional 1.5 mL tube to be used in the master mix. The appropriate amount of QIAGEN® Buffer, MgCl 2  and water was pipetted into each of the labeled 1.5 mL reaction tubes based on the Specific Worksheet created for the run. Next the appropriate amount of each primer set working stock was pipetted into each master mix tube. After the primers were delivered, the appropriate amount of dNTP and QIAGEN® Taq DNA polymerase were pipetted into each master mix tube. Lastly, the appropriate amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) adjuvant was pipetted into each master mix tube. After all components were delivered into the appropriate 1.5 mL tubes, the tubes were capped and the solution was mixed completely using a tube vortexer. 
     Master Mix Aliquoting and Template Addition. 
     Using the Specific Worksheet as a guide, the appropriate number of 8-well strip tubes were placed in a 96-well microtube rack. The tubes and lids were labeled by worksheet row. Using the Specific Worksheet as a guide, 20.0 uL of each master mix was pipetted into the appropriate wells of the 8-well strip tubes, 5.0 uL of template, controls, and water were pipetted into the appropriate wells in the 96-well microtube rack. After the 8-well strip tubes were loaded and capped, the microtube rack containing the 8-well strip tubes was vortexed then lightly tapped on the bench top several times to insure that the liquid was at the bottom of the well. Then the 8-well strip tubes were removed from the microtube rack and placed in the thermal cycler. 
     Thermal Cycler Setup and Run. 
     The EPPENDORF® MASTERCYCLER® gradient thermal cycler and software were enabled and the assay was run following the proper programming. Once the program finished running the assay, the samples were removed and placed in −20° C. freezer or used in the gel electrophoresis step. 
     Gel Electrophoresis and Picture. 
     The amplicon was taken from the thermal cycler tubes and controls and samples were run on an agarose gel. Upon completion of electrophoresis, a picture of the gel results was taken. 
     Results Interpretation. 
     A result passed and could move on to the second amplification procedure if the following are observed:
         1. Positive Control has a band;   2. Negative Control has no band;   3. No Template Control has no band; and   4. Samples may or may not have a band.       

     Example 5 
     Second Amplification Method Using Real-Time PCR of Extracted Nucleic Acids from a Blood Sample 
     A procedure for a second amplification step in the Double Amplification Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (DART PCR) methodology for the detection of the fungal targets described in Example 2 using an APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast real-time PCR platform and a second set of engineered primers and probes was accomplished using the following procedure. 
     Specimens 
     An amplicon from the Initial Amplification DART PCR procedure described in Example 3 or a PCR procedure as described in Example 4 was the appropriate template for this procedure. A 200.0 uL sample was used for this procedure. 
     Materials 
     TAQMAN® Fast Universal Mastermix (2×) (Cat. No. 4352042; obtained from Life Technologies), PCR grade purified water, 96-well real-time optical plates (Cat. No. 4346906; obtained from Life Technologies), MICROAMP® optical adhesive film (Cat. No. 4360954: obtained from Life Technologies), 1.5 mL tubes, barrier pipette tips capable of 200.0 μL volumes, barrier pipette tips capable of 1000.0 uL volumes, and barrier pipette tips capable of 20.0 uL volumes were used. 
     Engineered primers and probes were used for amplification and detection. Probes were synthesized with either the reporter FAM™ attached to the 5′ end of the probe or dCAL FLUOR® Orange 560 attached to the 5′ end of the probe. FAM™ has an absorption wavelength at 495 nm and an emission wavelength at 516 nm. dCAL FLUOR® Orange 560 has an absorption wavelength at 538 nm and an emission wavelength at 559-560 nm. All probes had the quencher BHQ® attached to the 3′ end of the probe. Primers and probes were stored at previously described temperatures. Sequences were as follow: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus niger   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 19) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe niger: 5′-TGTCTATTGTACCCTGTTGCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 20) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-CGTAGGTGAACCTGCGGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 21) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-ATCGATGCCGGAACCAAGAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Geometrica candidum   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 22) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe geo: 5′-AACGCACATTGCACTTTGGGGTATC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 23) 
               
               
                   
                 Geo F1H: 5′-GGATCTCTTGGTTCTCGTATC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 24) 
               
               
                   
                 Geo R1H: 5′-CTTGATCTGAGGTTGAATAGTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus flavus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 25) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe flav: 5′-CCCGCCATTCATGGCCGCCGGG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 26) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-CGTAGGTGAACCTGCGGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 27) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-ATCGATGCCGGAACCAAGAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus fumigatus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 28) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe fumi: 5′-AAAGTATGCAGTCTGAGTTGATTATC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 29) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-GTAGGTGAACCTGCGGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 30) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′- ATCGATGCCGGAACCAAGAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Aspergillus terreus   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 31) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe: 5′- AGTCTGAGTGTGATTCTTTGCAATC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 32) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F: 5′-ACATGAACCCTGTTCTGAAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 33) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R: 5′-CCAAGAGATCCATTGTTGAAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida albicans   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 34) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe CA: 5′ -TCGGGGGCGGCCGCTGCGG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 35) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F: CA 5′ AAAAAGTACGTGAAATTGTTG  
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 36) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R: CA 5′ -AAGCCGTGCCACATTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida krusei   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 37) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe CK: 5′ -AAGGCGGTGTCCAAGTCCCTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 38) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F: CK 5′ -TCAGTAGCGGCGAGTGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 39) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R: CK 5′ -AGAAGGGCCTCACTGCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida glabrata   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 40) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe CG: 5′ -ACCTAGGGAATGTGGCTCTGCG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 41) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F: CG 5′ -TGOGGCCAGCATCGGTTTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 42) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R: CG 5′ -CCTAGATAACAAGTATCGCAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target -  Candida tropicalis   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 43) 
               
               
                   
                 Probe CT: 5′ -TCGGGGGTGGCCTCTACAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 44) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer F: CT 5′ -AAAAAGTACGTGAAATTGTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (SEQ ID NO: 45) 
               
               
                   
                 Primer R: CT 5′ - AAGCCGTGOCCACATTC 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Procedure 
     Processing Controls. 
     Controls were processed as previously described in Example 3. 
     Dilution of Primer Stocks. 
     Primer stocks were diluted as previously described in Example 3. 
     Dilution of Probe Stocks. 
     The lyophilized probes were resuspended in PCR grade water to a final concentration of 100 uM. For example, if the synthesis yields 15.03 nMoles, 150.3 uL of PCR grade water was added to achieve 100 uM concentration. A 2.5 uM working stock was prepared from the 100 uM probe stocks by adding 12.5 uL of 100 uM stock primer to 487.5 uL of molecular grade water for a final volume of 500 uL and a final concentration of 2.5 uM. 
     Reaction Setup. 
     The reaction consisted of 19.0 uL of reaction mix and 1.0 uL of DNA and each reaction was run in duplicate or triplicate. The following table illustrates the reaction setup: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stock Conc. 
                 Work Conc. 
                 Per/RXN 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 2x Master Mix 
                 2X 
                 1X 
                 10.0 uL  
               
               
                   
                 Primer 1 
                 10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Primer 2 
                 10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Probe 
                 2.5 uM  
                 .1 uM 
                 0.8 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 na 
                 na 
                 6.2 uL 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 TOTAL 
                 19.0 uL  
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Cycling Parameters. 
     The APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument and software cycling profile program was used to run the assay. The following was the cycling parameters: 
     Step 1 (1 Cycle)
         Hot Start: 95° C. for 20 seconds       

     Step 2 (40 cycles)
         Denature: 95° C. for 3 seconds   Anneal: 60° C. 30 seconds       

     Master Mix Preparation. 
     A 1.5 mL tube for master mix was labeled for each target and placed in a tube rack inside the PCR cabinet containing the working primer/probe stocks. An additional 1.5 mL tube was taken and approximately 1.0 mL of PCR grade purified water was aliquoted into the tube to be used in the master mix setup and the tube placed in the rack. An appropriate amount of the TAQMAN® Fast Universal Mastermix (2×) was pipetted into each of the labeled 1.5 mL reaction tubes based on the PCR worksheet created for the run. After the TAQMAN® Fast Universal Mastermix (2×) is pipetted into the master mix tubes, the appropriate amount of each primer working stock and each probe working stock was added to each master mix tube based on the PCR worksheet created for the run. For each assay, two primers and one probe were used. After the primers and probes have been delivered, the appropriate amount of molecular grade water was added to each master mix tube based on the PCR worksheet created for the run. After all components were delivered into the appropriate 1.5 mL tubes, the tubes were capped and the solution was mixed completely using a tube vortexer. As an example, the following worksheet was used to calculate volumes used for an assay in triplicate: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 8 
                 9 
                 10 
                 11 
                 12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 7-2012- 
                 7-2012-63 
                 7-2012-63 
                 7-Neg 
                 7-Neg 
                 7-Neg 
                 7-Pos 
                 7-Pos 
                 7-Pos 
                 7-NTC 
                 7- 
                 7-NTC 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 NTC 
                   
               
               
                 B 
                 7-Initial 
                 7-Initial 
                 7-Initial 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 NTC 
                 NTC 
                 NTC 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 C 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 D 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 E 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 F 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 G 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 H 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Assay 
                   
                   
                   
                 Plus 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 7 
                 RXN # 
                 15 
                 (10%) 
                 16.0 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 20.0 uL Reaction with 19.0 uL of mastermix and 1.0 uL of DNA 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Stock 
                 Work 
                   
                 Master 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Man/Lot 
                 Conc. 
                 Conc. 
                 Per/RXN 
                 mix 
                 Controls 
                 Lot 
                 Run 
                 83012.1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 2x mm 
                 1203330 
                 2X 
                 1X 
                 10.0 
                 160.0 
                 POS 
                   
                 Run 
                 MM/DD/YR 
               
               
                 PRI R 
                 1016757882 
                  10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 
                 16.0 
                 NTC 
                 NA 
                 Date 
                   
               
               
                 PRI F 
                 1016757882 
                  10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 
                 16.0 
                   
                   
                 Technician 
                 XXX 
               
               
                 PROBE 
                 1016757880 
                 2.5 uM 
                 .1 uM 
                 0.8 
                 12.8 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Water 
                 112102 
                 na 
                 na 
                 6.2 
                 99.2 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As another example, the following worksheet was used to calculate volumes used for an assay in dupicate: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 8 
                 9 
                 10 
                 11 
                 12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 7-2012- 
                 7-2012-63 
                 7-Neg 
                 7-Neg 
                 7-Pos 
                 7-Pos 
                 7-NTC 
                 7-NTC 
                 7-Initial 
                 7-Initial 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 63 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 NTC 
                 NTC 
                   
                   
               
               
                 B 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 C 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 D 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 E 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 F 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 G 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 H 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Assay 
                   
                   
                   
                 Plus 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 7 
                 RXN # 
                 10 
                 (10%) 
                 11.0 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 20.0 uL Reaction with 19.0 uL of mastermix and 1.0 uL of DNA 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Stock 
                 Work 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Man/Lot 
                 Conc. 
                 Conc. 
                 Per/RXN 
                 Mastermix 
                 Controls 
                 Lot 
                 Run 
                 83012.1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 2x mm 
                 1203330 
                 2X 
                 1X 
                 10.0 
                 110.0 
                 POS 
                 NA17113B2 
                 Run Date 
                 MM/DD/YR 
               
               
                 PRI R 
                 1016757882 
                  10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0 
                 11.0 
                 NTC 
                 NA 
                 Technician 
                 XXX 
               
               
                 PRI F 
                 1016757882 
                  10 uM 
                 .5 uM 
                 1.0  
                 11.0 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PROBE 
                 1016757880 
                 2.5 uM 
                 .1 uM 
                 0.8 
                 8.8 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Water 
                 112102 
                 na 
                 na 
                 6.2 
                 68.2 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Mini Mix Preparation and Plate Loading. 
     Labeled 1.5 ml, tubes for each sample, the positive control, the negative control, and the no template control were placed in a 96-well Lube rack, 60.8 uL (for triplicate) 40.8 uL (for duplicate) of each master mix was pipetted into the corresponding mini mix tubes. Using the worksheet as a guide, 3.5 uL (for triplicate) or 2.5 uL (for duplicate) of amplicon DNA or control DNA was added to each of the mini mix tubes containing master mix, and then each 1.5 mL tube was vortexed. In a 96-well real-time optical plate, 20.0 uL of each mini mix containing sample or control was pipetted into three wells of the optical plate. After the optical plate is loaded, the plate was lightly tapped on the bench top several times to insure that the liquid was at the bottom of the well. The optical adhesive film was applied to the plate evenly and covered all 96 wells of the optical plate. The plate was placed in the 4° C. refrigerator while the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument was setup. 
     APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast Setup and Run. 
     The APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument and software was used to perform the assay for the specific FRET probe. 
     Results Interpretation. 
     A positive result was defined as any amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 1 and 40 of the real-time PCR run. A negative result was defined as no amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 1 and 40 of the PCR run. An equivocal result was defined as amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold after or at cycle 40, a control out of range, or questions regarding sample integrity. A control that was positive for the target being tested and showed that the assay detected the presence of target DNA and that there was not PCR inhibition was a valid positive control. A control that was negative for the target being tested and showed that the reagents or the sample were not contaminated with the target prior to the testing of the sample was a valid negative control. An internal control was used to show that the extraction process was working for the purification of nucleic acid from the clinical specimen and that a negative result was truly negative and not due to an issue associated with the extraction. The following are exemplary tables: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Initial 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 No 
                 Amp No 
               
               
                 Reportable 
                 Crossing 
                 Positive 
                 Negative 
                 Internal 
                 Template 
                 Template 
               
               
                 Result 
                 Point 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Result 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Initial 
               
               
                 Un- 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 No 
                 Amp No 
               
               
                 reportable 
                 Crossing 
                 Positive 
                 Negative 
                 Internal 
                 Template 
                 Template 
               
               
                 Result 
                 Point 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Result 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 6 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  A. Flavus    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.54207 
                 34.28181 
                 0.991981 
                 92% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Defector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1 
                 7-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 17.4998 
                  0.2227.0e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 7-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 17.5704 
                  0.2227.0e+004 
               
               
                 A3 
                 7-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 17.9147 
                  0.2227.0e+004 
               
               
                 A4 
                 7-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 20.2737 
                 0.08147.0e+003 
               
               
                 A5 
                 7-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 20.1253 
                 0.08147.0e+003 
               
               
                 A6 
                 7-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 20.2576 
                 0.08147.0e+003 
               
               
                 A7 
                 7-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 23.9587 
                 0.1867 
               
               
                 A8 
                 7-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 23.666 
                 0.1867 
               
               
                 A9 
                 7-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 24.0105 
                 0.1867 
               
               
                 A10 
                 7-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 27.7824 
                 0.2287 
               
               
                 A11 
                 7-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 27.3266 
                 0.2287 
               
               
                 A12 
                 7-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 27.5771 
                 0.2287 
               
               
                 B1 
                 7-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 31.2128 
                 0.4237 
               
               
                 B2 
                 7-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 31.9752 
                 0.4237 
               
               
                 B3 
                 7-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 31.9131 
                 0.4237 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  A. flavus  was 92%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 7 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  A. Fumigatus    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.45726 
                 30.68205 
                 0.99059 
                 95% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 E4 
                 8-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 14.5484 
                 0.03797.0e+004 
               
               
                 E5 
                 8-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 14.5335 
                 0.03797.0e+004 
               
               
                 E6 
                 8-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 14.6053 
                 0.03797.0e+004 
               
               
                 E7 
                 8-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 16.8545 
                 0.02137.0e+003 
               
               
                 E8 
                 8-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 16.8337 
                 0.02137.0e+003 
               
               
                 E9 
                 8-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 16.8118 
                 0.02137.0e+003 
               
               
                 E10 
                 8-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 20.6416 
                 0.1027 
               
               
                 E11 
                 8-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 20.5863 
                 0.1027 
               
               
                 E12 
                 8-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 20.4445 
                 0.1027 
               
               
                 F1 
                 8-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 23.9674 
                 0.04867 
               
               
                 F2 
                 8-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 24.0335 
                 0.04867 
               
               
                 F3 
                 8-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 24.0622 
                 0.04867 
               
               
                 F4 
                 8-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 28.2974 
                 0.1337 
               
               
                 F5 
                 8-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 28.1055 
                 0.1337 
               
               
                 F6 
                 8-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 28.3616 
                 0.1337 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  A. fumigatus  was 95%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 8 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  A. Niger    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.59003 
                 29.64806 
                 0.996559 
                 90% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A7 
                 3-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 16.0678 
                 0.02977.0e+003 
               
               
                 A8 
                 3-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 16.0656 
                 0.02977.0e+003 
               
               
                 A9 
                 3-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 16.0153 
                 0.02977.0e+003 
               
               
                 A10 
                 3-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 19.3052 
                 0.07127 
               
               
                 A11 
                 3-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 19.1661 
                 0.07127 
               
               
                 A12 
                 3-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 19.2622 
                 0.07127 
               
               
                 B1 
                 3-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.9786 
                 0.1667 
               
               
                 B2 
                 3-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.6919 
                 0.1667 
               
               
                 B3 
                 3-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.6898 
                 0.1667 
               
               
                 B4 
                 3-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 26.8307 
                 0.1587 
               
               
                 B5 
                 3-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 26.68 
                 0.1587 
               
               
                 B6 
                 3-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 26.9959 
                 0.1587 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  A. niger  was 90%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 9 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  A. Terreus    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.55094 
                 32.33503 
                 0.98813 
                 91% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 G4 
                 25-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 15.2392 
                  0.1197.0e+004 
               
               
                 G5 
                 25-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 15.3296 
                  0.1197.0e+004 
               
               
                 G6 
                 25-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 15.4752 
                  0.1197.0e+004 
               
               
                 G7 
                 25-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 18.3309 
                 0.09537.0e+003 
               
               
                 G8 
                 25-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 18.2643 
                 0.09537.0e+003 
               
               
                 G9 
                 25-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 18.143 
                 0.09537.0e+003 
               
               
                 G10 
                 25-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 22.4862 
                 0.07037 
               
               
                 G11 
                 25-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 22.3689 
                 0.07037 
               
               
                 G12 
                 25-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 22.4945 
                 0.07037 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  A. terreus  was 91%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven hundred copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 10 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  C. albcans    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.23669 
                 27.60403 
                 0.998549 
                 103% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A7 
                 CA-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.275 
                 0.02747.0e+003 
               
               
                 A8 
                 CA-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.261 
                 0.02747.0e+003 
               
               
                 A9 
                 CA-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.3139 
                 0.02747.0e+003 
               
               
                 A10 
                 CA-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.1125 
                 0.1237 
               
               
                 A11 
                 CA-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.2269 
                 0.1237 
               
               
                 A12 
                 CA-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.3584 
                 0.1237 
               
               
                 B1 
                 CA-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 21.6783 
                 0.09587 
               
               
                 B2 
                 CA-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 21.5857 
                 0.09587 
               
               
                 B3 
                 CA-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 21.4868 
                 0.09587 
               
               
                 B4 
                 CA-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 24.8751 
                 0.1077 
               
               
                 B5 
                 CA-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 24.9144 
                 0.1077 
               
               
                 B6 
                 CA-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 25.0762 
                 0.1077 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  C. albicans  was 103%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 11 
     VALIDATION STUDY OF INITIAL AMPLIFICATION OF  C. Glabrata    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 55.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.6 
                 30.756989 
                 0.97 
                 90% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A4 
                 CG-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 13.8925 
                 0.007767.0e+004 
               
               
                 A5 
                 CG-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 13.8919 
                 0.007767.0e+004 
               
               
                 A6 
                 CG-P2 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+04 
                 13.8787 
                 0.007767.0e+004 
               
               
                 A7 
                 CG-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.7575 
                  0.07397.0e+003 
               
               
                 A8 
                 CG-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.6517 
                  0.07397.0e+003 
               
               
                 A9 
                 CG-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.794 
                  0.07397.0e+003 
               
               
                 A10 
                 CG-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 20.1931 
                 0.09267 
               
               
                 A11 
                 CG-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 20.0151 
                 0.09267 
               
               
                 A12 
                 CG-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 20.0594 
                 0.09267 
               
               
                 B1 
                 CG-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 24.8357 
                 0.2957 
               
               
                 B2 
                 CG-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 24.2556 
                 0.2957 
               
               
                 B3 
                 CG-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 24.6425 
                 0.2957 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  C. glabrata  was 90%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seventy copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 12 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  C. kruseii    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 54.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                 .5 uM MgCl2 
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.33876 
                 27.70546 
                 0.998656 
                 99% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 E4 
                 CK-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 14.9414 
                 0.009417.0e+003 
               
               
                 E5 
                 CK-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 14.9602 
                 0.009417.0e+003 
               
               
                 E6 
                 CK-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 14.9519 
                 0.009417.0e+003 
               
               
                 E7 
                 CK-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.0359 
                 0.03117 
               
               
                 E8 
                 CK-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.0665 
                 0.03117 
               
               
                 E9 
                 CK-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.0981 
                 0.03117 
               
               
                 E10 
                 CK-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 21.6067 
                 0.07387 
               
               
                 E11 
                 CK-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 21.6247 
                 0.07387 
               
               
                 E12 
                 CK-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 21.4888 
                 0.07387 
               
               
                 F1 
                 CK-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 24.6199 
                 0.2537 
               
               
                 F2 
                 CK-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 25.071 
                 0.2537 
               
               
                 F3 
                 CK-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 25.0437 
                 0.2537 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  C. kruseii  was 99%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 13 
     Validation Study of Initial Amplification of  C. Parapsilosis    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.32038 
                 28.53387 
                 0.9963 
                 100% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A7 
                 CP-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.9076 
                 0.02887.0e+003 
               
               
                 A8 
                 CP-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.9472 
                 0.02887.0e+003 
               
               
                 A9 
                 CP-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.9638 
                 0.02887.0e+003 
               
               
                 A10 
                 CP-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.9147 
                 0.05447 
               
               
                 A11 
                 CP-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.8781 
                 0.05447 
               
               
                 A12 
                 CP-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 18.9852 
                 0.05447 
               
               
                 B1 
                 CP-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.3079 
                 0.08527 
               
               
                 B2 
                 CP-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.1478 
                 0.08527 
               
               
                 B3 
                 CP-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.1772 
                 0.08527 
               
               
                 B4 
                 CP-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 25.6374 
                 0.3217 
               
               
                 B5 
                 CP-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 25.8345 
                 0.3217 
               
               
                 B6 
                 CP-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 26.2655 
                 0.3217 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  C. parapsilosis  was 100%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 14 
     VALIDATION STUDY OF INITIAL AMPLIFICATION OF  C. Tropicalis    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 3 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 10:00  
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:10 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                 .5 uM MgCl2 
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 SYBR 
                 −3.44762 
                 29.0184 
                 0.998852 
                 95% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A4 
                 CT-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.7819 
                 0.05127.0e+003 
               
               
                 A5 
                 CT-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.8053 
                 0.05127.0e+003 
               
               
                 A6 
                 CT-P3 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7.00E+03 
                 15.8799 
                 0.05127.0e+003 
               
               
                 A7 
                 CT-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 19.1597 
                 0.04467 
               
               
                 A8 
                 CT-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 19.0844 
                 0.04467 
               
               
                 A9 
                 CT-P4 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 700 
                 19.0808 
                 0.04467 
               
               
                 A10 
                 CT-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.7039 
                 0.02227 
               
               
                 A11 
                 CT-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.6636 
                 0.02227 
               
               
                 A12 
                 CT-P5 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 70 
                 22.6678 
                 0.02227 
               
               
                 B1 
                 CT-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 26.4362 
                 0.2747 
               
               
                 B2 
                 CT-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 25.9199 
                 0.2747 
               
               
                 B3 
                 CT-P6 
                 SYBR-Green I 
                 7 
                 26.0171 
                 0.2747 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the initial amplification step for  C. tropicalis  was 95%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as seven copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 15 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  A. niger    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.461868 
                 32.216766 
                 0.998178 
                 94% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 C1 
                 3 point 1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+04 
                 16.0244 
                 0.1115.45e+004 
               
               
                 C2 
                 3 point 1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+04 
                 15.9009 
                 0.1115.45e+004 
               
               
                 C3 
                 3 point 1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+04 
                 15.8021 
                 0.1115.45e+004 
               
               
                 C4 
                 3 point 2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+03 
                 18.9988 
                 0.2245.45e+003 
               
               
                 C5 
                 3 point 2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+03 
                 19.0804 
                 0.2245.45e+003 
               
               
                 C6 
                 3 point 2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+03 
                 19.4208 
                 0.2245.45e+003 
               
               
                 C7 
                 3 point 3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+02 
                 22.9648 
                 0.226545 
               
               
                 C8 
                 3 point 3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+02 
                 22.6134 
                 0.226545 
               
               
                 C9 
                 3 point 3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+02 
                 22.5418 
                 0.226545 
               
               
                 C10 
                 3 point 4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+01 
                 26.1822 
                 0.10254.5 
               
               
                 C11 
                 3 point 4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+01 
                 26.2426 
                 0.10254.5 
               
               
                 C12 
                 3 point 4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.45E+01 
                 26.3814 
                 0.10254.5 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  A. nigher was  94%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as 55 copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 16 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  A. Flavus    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.553381 
                 32.517784 
                 0.998133 
                 91% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1 
                 7 point 1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 18.4351 
                 0.0161.0e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 7 point 1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 18.4349 
                 0.0161.0e+004 
               
               
                 A3 
                 7 point 1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 18.4627 
                 0.0161.0e+004 
               
               
                 A4 
                 7 point 2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 21.7686 
                 0.2691.0e+003 
               
               
                 A5 
                 7 point 2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 21.3793 
                 0.2691.0e+003 
               
               
                 A6 
                 7 point 2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 21.8955 
                 0.2691.0e+003 
               
               
                 A7 
                 7 point 3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 25.3499 
                 0.04571 
               
               
                 A8 
                 7 point 3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 25.2957 
                 0.04571 
               
               
                 A9 
                 7 point 3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 25.3865 
                 0.04571 
               
               
                 A10 
                 7 point 4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 29.0791 
                 0.05931 
               
               
                 A11 
                 7 point 4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 29.1208 
                 0.05931 
               
               
                 A12 
                 7 point 4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 29.0037 
                 0.05931 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  A. flavus  was 91%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as 10 copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 17 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  A. Fumigatus    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.514505 
                 35.230759 
                 0.999332 
                 93% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1 
                 8 P1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+04 
                 18.4053 
                 0.05416.0e+004 
               
               
                 A1 
                 8 P1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+04 
                 18.4584 
                 0.05416.0e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 8 P1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+04 
                 18.3503 
                 0.05416.0e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 8 P2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+03 
                 21.8761 
                  0.056.0e+003 
               
               
                 A3 
                 8 P2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+03 
                 21.9707 
                  0.056.0e+003 
               
               
                 A3 
                 8 P2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+03 
                 21.9516 
                  0.056.0e+003 
               
               
                 A4 
                 8 P3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+02 
                 25.5793 
                 1.946 
               
               
                 A4 
                 8 P3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+02 
                 25.7155 
                 1.946 
               
               
                 A5 
                 8 P3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+02 
                 25.2851 
                 1.946 
               
               
                 A5 
                 8 P4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+01 
                 29.1491 
                 1.946 
               
               
                 A6 
                 8 P4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+01 
                 29.158 
                 1.946 
               
               
                 A6 
                 8 P4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.00E+01 
                 28.8548 
                 1.946 
               
               
                 A7 
                 8 P5 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6 
                 32.5575 
                 0.1236 
               
               
                 A7 
                 8 P5 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6 
                 32.3274 
                 0.1236 
               
               
                 A8 
                 8 P5 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6 
                 32.3649 
                 0.1236 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  A. fumigatus  was 93%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as 6 copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 18 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  A. Terreus    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.322554 
                 30.472799 
                 0.991658 
                 100% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 D2 
                 25p1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+04 
                 15.1743 
                 0.03515.29e+004 
               
               
                 D2 
                 25p1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+04 
                 15.152 
                 0.03515.29e+004 
               
               
                 D3 
                 25p1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+04 
                 15.1056 
                 0.03515.29e+004 
               
               
                 D4 
                 25p2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+03 
                 17.6833 
                 0.02445.29e+003 
               
               
                 D5 
                 25p2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+03 
                 17.6707 
                 0.02445.29e+003 
               
               
                 D6 
                 25p2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+03 
                 17.6363 
                 0.02445.29e+003 
               
               
                 D7 
                 25p3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+02 
                 21.1327 
                 0.069529 
               
               
                 D8 
                 25p3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+02 
                 21.2107 
                 0.069529 
               
               
                 D9 
                 25p3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+02 
                 21.2703 
                 0.069529 
               
               
                 D10 
                 25p4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+01 
                 25.0073 
                 0.043352.9 
               
               
                 D11 
                 25p4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+01 
                 25.0209 
                 0.043352.9 
               
               
                 D12 
                 25p4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 5.29E+01 
                 25.0882 
                 0.043352.9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  A. terreus  was 100%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as 53 copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 19 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  C. Albicans    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.402701 
                 34.579445 
                 0.993533 
                 96% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 C1 
                 CA-1 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+04 
                 18.4323 
                 0.05176.18e+004 
               
               
                 C2 
                 CA-1 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+04 
                 18.3652 
                 0.05176.18e+004 
               
               
                 C3 
                 CA-1 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+04 
                 18.467 
                 0.05176.18e+004 
               
               
                 C4 
                 CA-2 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+03 
                 21.4658 
                 0.06876.18e+003 
               
               
                 C5 
                 CA-2 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+03 
                 21.3769 
                 0.06876.18e+003 
               
               
                 C6 
                 CA-2 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+03 
                 21.3307 
                 0.06876.18e+003 
               
               
                 C7 
                 CA-3 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+02 
                 25.2292 
                 0.177618 
               
               
                 C8 
                 CA-3 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+02 
                 25.4023 
                 0.177618 
               
               
                 C9 
                 CA-3 MM3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.18E+02 
                 25.0491 
                 0.177618 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  C. albicans  was 96%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as 618 copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 20 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  C. Glabrata    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.490633 
                 33.321709 
                 0.997661 
                 93% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1 
                 CG-1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+04 
                 16.7431 
                 0.04986.16e+004 
               
               
                 A1 
                 CG-1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+04 
                 16.6676 
                 0.04986.16e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 CG-1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+04 
                 16.6491 
                 0.04986.16e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 CG-2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+03 
                 19.75 
                  0.146.16e+003 
               
               
                 A3 
                 CG-2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+03 
                 19.8938 
                  0.146.16e+003 
               
               
                 A3 
                 CG-2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+03 
                 20.03 
                  0.146.16e+003 
               
               
                 A4 
                 CG-3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+02 
                 24.0587 
                 0.278616 
               
               
                 A4 
                 CG-3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+02 
                 23.5538 
                 0.278616 
               
               
                 A5 
                 CG-3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+02 
                 23.6028 
                 0.278616 
               
               
                 A5 
                 CG-4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+01 
                 26.9878 
                 0.07261.6 
               
               
                 A6 
                 CG-4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+01 
                 27.0094 
                 0.07261.6 
               
               
                 A6 
                 CG-4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 6.16E+01 
                 27.1218 
                 0.07261.6 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  C. glabrata  was 93%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as 62 copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 21 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  C. Kruseii    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.25758 
                 31.336355 
                 0.997822 
                 102% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A1 
                 CK-1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 18.1957 
                  0.021.0e+004 
               
               
                 A1 
                 CK-1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 18.1733 
                  0.021.0e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 CK-1 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 18.1558 
                  0.021.0e+004 
               
               
                 A2 
                 CK-2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 21.7184 
                 0.06631.0e+003 
               
               
                 A3 
                 CK-2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 21.6498 
                 0.06631.0e+003 
               
               
                 A3 
                 CK-2 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 21.5858 
                 0.06631.0e+003 
               
               
                 A4 
                 CK-3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 25.0623 
                 0.1091 
               
               
                 A4 
                 CK-3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 25.1351 
                 0.1091 
               
               
                 A5 
                 CK-3 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 24.9199 
                 0.1091 
               
               
                 A5 
                 CK-4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 27.9423 
                 0.0521 
               
               
                 A6 
                 CK-4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 27.845 
                 0.0521 
               
               
                 A6 
                 CK-4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 27.9255 
                 0.0521 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  C. kruseii  was 102%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as ten copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 22 
     Validation Study of Second Amplification of  C. Tropicalis    
     Validation studies were performed for each target. Serial dilutions containing five dilutions each were tested using the clinical assays and the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS 7500 Fast instrument. The method described in Example 5 was used to obtain the data in the following table: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Instrument Type: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Thermal Cycler Profile 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Stage 
                 Repetitions 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:20 
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 40 
                 95.0° C. 
                 0:03 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 60.0° C. 
                 0:30 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fast 7500 Mode 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Data Collection: Stage 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Step 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 PCR Volume: 20 μL 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Standard Curve 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Information 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Detector Name 
                 Slope 
                 Intercept 
                 R2 
                 % Efficiency 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 −3.484473 
                 29.33049 
                 0.995491 
                 94% 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Well 
                 Sample Name 
                 Detector 
                 Quantity 
                 Ct 
                 StdDev Ct 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 G1 
                 CT-1 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 15.5726 
                 0.08141.0e+004 
               
               
                 G2 
                 CT-1 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 15.735 
                 0.08141.0e+004 
               
               
                 G3 
                 CT-1 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+04 
                 15.6642 
                 0.08141.0e+004 
               
               
                 G4 
                 CT-2 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 18.4636 
                  0.1131.0e+003 
               
               
                 G5 
                 CT-2 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 18.6878 
                  0.1131.0e+003 
               
               
                 G6 
                 CT-2 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+03 
                 18.5577 
                  0.1131.0e+003 
               
               
                 G7 
                 CT-3 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 22.1231 
                 0.05171 
               
               
                 G8 
                 CT-3 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 22.2052 
                 0.05171 
               
               
                 G9 
                 CT-3 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+02 
                 22.2186 
                 0.05171 
               
               
                 G10 
                 CT-4 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 25.9278 
                 0.1471 
               
               
                 G11 
                 CT-4 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 26.0553 
                 0.1471 
               
               
                 G12 
                 CT-4 MM4 
                 FAM-BHQ1 
                 1.00E+01 
                 26.2208 
                 0.1471 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data in the above table shows shows an exemplary efficiency of the secondary amplification step for  C. tropicalis  was 94%, and that the initial amplification step could amplify and detect as few as ten copies of fungal DNA in a single sample within the cycle limit. 
     Example 23 
     Process Validation Protocol 
     The APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast system was used with specially designed target probes and primers to detect DNA in clinical samples utilizing real-time PCR technology. Qualitative detection of fungal DNA was generated from fourteen organisms in clinical samples. 
     The following represents the exemplary flow of a clinical sample from extraction to reporting. 
     The clinical sample was extracted utilizing a commercial extraction kit. Following the extraction, PCR reactions were setup in triplicate with the extracted nucleic acid from the clinical sample (and positive and negative control) and each of the target probe and primer set. The 96 well plate containing the sample reactions was placed on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast instrument and a preprogrammed real-time program was run and data collected by the instrument. After the instrument run was complete, the data was analyzed to determine if the run was acceptable and to determine if the sample was positive or negative for the target tested. Upon completion of this analysis, a report was generated for the sample processed and the results of the testing was reviewed, approved, and reported. A run was determined to be acceptable if the internal control (GEO) for the extracted sample was positive, the Positive Control was positive, the Negative Control was negative, the No Template control was negative, and no instrument errors were generated during the course of a PCR run. 
     Validation Protocol: 
     Materials and Methods: 
     QIAGEN QIAAMP® Mini Kit Extraction Procedure; APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR Procedure; Fugal Spore Detection Utilizing Real-Time PCR (7500Fast). 
     Test Samples: 
     
         
         
           
             Fugal Target DNA Control Samples 
           
         
       
    
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Control Samples for targets: 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 1  S chartarum   
                 ( Stachybotrys ) 
               
               
                   
                 3  A niger   
                 ( Aspergillus ) 
               
               
                   
                 4  P chrysogenium   
                 ( Penicillium ) 
               
               
                   
                 5  P verrucosum   
                 ( Penicillium ) 
               
               
                   
                 6 GEO 
                 (Control) 
               
               
                   
                 7  A Flavus   
                 ( Aspergillus ) 
               
               
                   
                 8  A fumigatus   
                 ( Aspergillus ) 
               
               
                   
                 14  F solani   
                 ( Fusarium ) 
               
               
                   
                 23  S echinata   
                 ( Stachybotrys ) 
               
               
                   
                 25  A terreus   
                 ( Aspergillus ) 
               
               
                   
                 CA  C albicans   
                 ( Candida ) 
               
               
                   
                 CT  C tropicalis   
                 ( Candida ) 
               
               
                   
                 CK  C kruseii   
                 ( Candida ) 
               
               
                   
                 CG  C glabrata   
                 ( Candida ) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
         
         
           
             Blinded Spiked Validation Samples
           10 Fungal Spiked Samples
               Sample 1 (Spiked with Targets 3, 8)   Sample 2 (Spiked with Targets 3, 4)   Sample 3 (Spiked with Targets 1, 6, 14, 25)   Sample 4 (Spiked with Targets 1, 4, 5, 23)   Sample 5 (Spiked with Targets 4, 7, 23)   Sample 6 (Spiked with No Targets)   Sample 7 (Spiked with Targets 1, 23)   Sample 8 (Spiked with Targets 4, 8, 25)   Sample 9 (Spiked with Targets 3, 7)   Sample 10 (Spiked with Targets 4, 23)   
               10  Candida  Spiked Samples
               Sample 11 (Spiked with Targets CA, CG)   Sample 12 (Spiked with Targets CT, CK)   Sample 13 (Spiked with Targets CA, CG)   Sample 14 (Spiked with No Targets)   Sample 15 (Spiked with Targets CT, CG, CK)   Sample 16 (Spiked with Targets CA, CT, CG, CK)   Sample 17 (Spiked with Targets CT)   Sample 18 (Spiked with Targets CK)   Sample 19 (Spiked with Targets CA)   Sample 20 (Spiked with Targets CG, CK)   
               
         
             Samples run on the Cepheid SmartCycler
             Aspergillus  Samples (Accession Number)
               150939 (BAL)   154018 (Sputum)   147499 (Sputum)   122074 (Tissue)   134404 (BAL)   131746 (BAL)   127675 (Tissue)   126482 (Tissue)         Penicillium  Samples
               150930 (Sputum)   154017 (Nasal Wash)   147498 (Nasal Wash))   139270 (BAL))   134403 (Tissue)   131747 (BAL)   122073 (BAL)   126483 (BAL)         Stachy/Fusarium  Samples
               150935 (Nasal Wash)   154016 (BAL)   147496 (Sputum)   139269 (Tissue)   134402 (Nasal Wash)   131748 (BAL)   131749 (BAL)   127677 (Tissue)   126484 (Nasal Wash)         Candida  Samples
               150934 (Urine)   154014 (Urine)   139883 (Urine)   139268 (Urine)   134405 (Urine)   131750 (Urine)   127678 (Urine)   126485 (Urine)       
         
           
         
       
    
     Testing Conditions: 
     Real-time PCR was performed utilizing fungal target DNA for all targets to determine cycle cutoff (Established Cycle Threshold (Ct) Value—Qualitative Analysis). Real-time PCR was performed utilizing the fungal target DNA for all targets on a 4 point dilution curve in triplicate (Assay Optimization). The runs accessed the following: Linear Standard Curve, High Amplification Efficiency, and Consistency across replicate reactions. 
     Blinded spiked samples were tested and the presence of interfering substances was determined (e.g., interference from different tubes and plastic ware, reagents, instrument conditions, etc.). All fungal assays were performed on blinded spiked samples 1 through 10 to determine if the DNA spiked in the sample could be detected by the assays. All  candida  assays were run on blinded spiked samples 11 through 20 to determine if the DNA spiked in the samples could be detected by the assays. Ten fungal assays were run with 10 blinded samples. Four  candida  assays were run with 10 blinded samples. All samples tested on the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® utilizing specific fungal and  candida  assays were run utilizing the same assay and sample on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument. 
     Data Collected: 
     The Cycle Threshold (Ct) value for each sample tested was collected and recorded. The last cycle was approved for detection of a positive qualitative result. Standard curves were generated for all fungal and  candida  assays. Data was collected, analyzed, and recorded for the following performance characteristics: Linear Standard Curve, High Amplification Efficiency, and Consistency across replicate reactions. For assays run with spiked blinded samples, data showed accuracy and specificity of the assays: 10 fungal assays run with 10 blinded samples; 4  candida  assays run with 10 blinded samples. For assays run with previously tested samples, data matched previous runs on the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER®. The data confirmed test sample types, BAL, Nasal Wash, Sputum, tissue, and urine ( Candida  only). The data showed no interfering substances with the use of various plastic ware, reagents, or instrument conditions. 
     Test samples run on the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® were tested on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument:
           Aspergillus  Samples (Accession Number)
           150939 (BAL)   154018 (Sputum)   147499 (Sputum)   122074 (Tissue)   134404 (BAL)   131746 (BAL)   127675 (Tissue)   126482 (Tissue)         Penicillium  Samples
           150930 (Sputum)   154017 (Nasal Wash)   147498 (Nasal Wash))   139270 (BAL))   134403 (Tissue)   131747 (BAL)   122073 (BAL)   126483 (BAL)         Stachy/Fusarium  Samples
           150935 (Nasal Wash)   154016 (BAL)   147496 (Sputum)   139269 (Tissue)   134402 (Nasal Wash)   131748 (BAL.)   131749 (BAL)   127677 (Tissue)   126484 (Nasal Wash)         Candida  Samples
           150934 (Urine)   154014 (Urine)   139883 (Urine)   139268 (Urine)   134405 (Urine)   131750 (Urine)   127678 (Urine)   126485 (Urine)           

     Acceptance Criteria: 
     A positive result was defined as any amplification observed crossing a baseline fluorescence between cycles 1 and 39 of the real-time PCR run. A negative result was defined as no amplification observed crossing a baseline fluorescence between cycles 1 and 39 of the PCR run. (See note regarding diluted spore stocks). A positive control included a control that was positive for the target being tested and showed that the assay would show a positive in the presence of target spores and that there was not PCR inhibition. (Note: a sample that showed amplification for a target when the positive control was negative could be reported as a positive result). A negative control included a control that was negative for the target being tested and showed that the reagents or the sample were not contaminated with the target prior to the testing of the sample. (Note: a sample that showed amplification at an earlier cycle than a contaminated negative control could be reported as a due to the fact that the contamination cannot cause a sample to report a stronger positive than the contamination). An internal control included a control used to show that the extraction process was working fine for the purification of nucleic acid from the clinical specimen and that a negative result was truly negative and not due to an issue associated with the extraction. (Note: the internal control must be positive for any sample to be reported as negative for a target.) 
     Assay Optimization and Conclusions: 
     Qualitative Analysis Real-time PCR was performed utilizing fungal target DNA for all targets to determine cycle cutoff (Establish Cycle Threshold (Ct) Value). The qualitative cutoff for this assay for a positive detection was a crossover threshold of 39. 
     All fungal and  candida  targets had a Linear Standard Curve—R 2 &gt;0.980. All fungal and  candida  targets had a High Amplification Efficiency—90-105%. All fungal and  candida  targets had Consistency across replicate reactions and there weas no clinically significant variation between the replicates. 
     All assays detected the appropriate spiked samples in all 20 spiked samples tested. The testing of each spiked fungal blinded sample with fungal assays on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument detected the appropriate target for that sample. The testing of each spiked  candida  blinded sample with  candida  assays on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument detected the appropriate target for that sample. No interference was detected. 
     All sample results from samples tested on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument matched the results generated from the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® with the exception of the following: 
     1. 134404 (BAL)— A. Flavus  (Target 7) was not detected in Sample 134404 by the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® but was detected by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument. Upon review of the data it was determined that improved sensitivity by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 system enabled the system to detect the target in the BAL sample. 
     2. 154017 (Nasal Wash)— P. Chrysogenium  (Target 4) was not detected in Sample 154017 by the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® but was detected by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument. Upon review of the data it was determined that improved sensitivity by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 system enabled the system to detect the target in the Nasal Wash sample. 
     3. 126485 (Urine)— C. Krusei  (Target CK) was not detected in Sample 126485 by the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® but was detected by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument. Upon review of the data it was determined that improved sensitivity by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 system enabled the system to detect the target in the Urine sample. 
     4. 127675 (Tissue)— A. terreus  (Target 25) was not detected by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument but was detected by the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER®. It was determined to be a problem with sample degradation. 
     5. 139269 (Tissue)— S. echinata  (Target 23) was not detected by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument but was detected by the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER®. It was determined to be a problem with sample degradation. 
     6. 139268 (Urine)— C. glabrata  (Target CG) was not detected by the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument but was detected by the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER®. It was determined to be a problem with sample degradation. 
     Results produced in this validation for all fungal and  candida  assays were found acceptable to validate these assays for testing on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument. 
     Example 24 
     Comparing PCR Instruments 
     The specially designed secondary primers and probes were tested with two different PCR instruments to validate and demonstrate the qualitative detection of the primers and probes. The analysis was done using the method described in Example 23. The two different instruments shown below. SMART CYCLER II® and 7500 Fast use different reagents, hardware, and software to amplify a strand of DNA. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Aspergillus Panel 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Accession 
                 Sample 
                 3 Smart 
                 3 7500F 
                 7 Smart 
                 7 7500F 
                 8 Smart 
                 8 7500F 
                 25 Smart 
                 25 7500F 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 150939 
                 BAL 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 154018 
                 Sputum 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 147499 
                 Sputum 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 122074 
                 Tissue 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 134404 
                 BAL 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 131746 
                 BAL 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 127675 
                 Tissue 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
               
               
                 126482 
                 Tissue 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                   Penicillium  Panel 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Accession 
                 Sample 
                 4 Smart 
                 4 7500F 
                 5 Smart 
                 5 7500F 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 150930 
                 Sputum 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
               
               
                 154017 
                 Nasal Wash 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
               
               
                 147498 
                 Nasal Wash 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 139270 
                 BAL 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 134403 
                 Tissue 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 131747 
                 BAL 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 122073 
                 BAL 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
               
               
                 126483 
                 BAL 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Stachybotrys Panel 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Accession 
                 Sample 
                 1 Smart 
                 1 7500F 
                 23 Smart 
                 23 7500F 
                 14 Smart 
                 14 7500F 
                 6 Smart 
                 6 7500F 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 150935 
                 Nasal 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                   
                 Wash 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 154016 
                 BAL 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 147496 
                 Sputum 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 139269 
                 Tissue 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 134402 
                 Nasal 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                   
                 Wash 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 131748 
                 BAL 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 131749 
                 BAL 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 127677 
                 Tissue 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 126484 
                 Nasal 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                   
                 Wash 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Candida Panel 
                 CA 
                 CA 
                 CT 
                 CT 
                 CK 
                 CK 
                 CG 
                 CG 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Accession 
                 Sample 
                 Smart 
                 7500F 
                 Smart 
                 7500F 
                 Smart 
                 7500F 
                 Smart 
                 7500F 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 150934 
                 Urine 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 154014 
                 Urine 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 139883 
                 Urine 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
               
               
                 139268 
                 Urine 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
               
               
                 134405 
                 Urine 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 131750 
                 Urine 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 127678 
                 Urine 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                 126485 
                 Urine 
                 ND 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 Detected 
                 ND 
                 ND 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data illustrates that the specially designed primers were able to detect the presence of fungal DNA in various patient samples using the two different PCR instruments. 
     Example 25 
     Specificity 
     The secondary primers and probes were tested to demonstrate specificity for their targets. The data below was obtained using methods described in Example 23. The primers and probes were able to successfully amplify and detect their own target and avoid non-specific interactions. The primers and probes were able to do this with multiple fungal strains of DNA present in the sample. All fungal assays were performed on blinded spiked samples 1 through 10 to determine if the DNA spiked in the sample could be detected by the assays. All  candida  assays were run on blinded spiked samples 11 through 20 to determine if the DNA spiked in the samples could be detected by the assays. Ten fungal assays were run with 10 blinded samples. Four  candida  assays were run with 10 blinded samples. All samples tested on the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® utilizing specific fungal and  candida  assays were run utilizing the same assay and sample on the APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS® 7500 instrument. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Val- 
                   
               
               
                 idation 
                 Target 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sample 
                 1 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
                 8 
                 14 
                 23 
                 25 
                 CA 
                 CT 
                 CG 
                 CK 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 2 
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 X 
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 5 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 6 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 8 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 9 
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 10 
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 11 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                 X 
                   
               
               
                 12 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 13 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                 X 
                   
               
               
                 14 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 15 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 16 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 17 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
               
               
                 18 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 19 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 20 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Fungal 
                   
                 
                   Candida 
                 
                   
               
               
                 Target 
                 Fungal Organism 
                 Target 
                   Candida  Organism 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 
                   Stachybotrys chartarum 
                 
                 CA 
                 
                   Candida albicans 
                 
               
               
                 3 
                 
                   Aspergillus niger 
                 
                 CT 
                 
                   Candida tropicalis 
                 
               
               
                 4 
                 
                   Penicillium chrysogenum 
                 
                 CG 
                 
                   Candida glabrata 
                 
               
               
                 5 
                 
                   Penicillium verrucosum 
                 
                 CK 
                 
                   Candida kruseii 
                 
               
               
                 6 
                 Geo 
                   
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 
                   Aspergillus flavus 
                 
                   
                   
               
               
                 8 
                 
                   Aspergillus fumigatus 
                 
                   
                   
               
               
                 14 
                 
                   F solani 
                 
                   
                   
               
               
                 23 
                 
                   Stachybotrys echinata 
                 
                   
                   
               
               
                 25 
                 
                   Aspergillus terreus 
                 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     For assays run with spiked blinded samples, data showed accuracy and specificity of the assays: 10 fungal assays run with 10 blinded samples; 4  candida  assays run with 10 blinded samples. For assays run with previously tested samples, data matched previous runs on the CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER®. The data confirmed test sample types, BAL, Nasal Wash, Sputum, tissue, and urine ( Candida  only). The data showed no interfering substances with the use of various plastic ware, reagents, or instrument conditions. 
     Example 26 
     Smart Cycler Protocol 
     The CEPHEID SMARTCYCLER® system is an integrated DNA/RNA amplification and detection instrument system based on the proprietary microprocessor-controlled I-CORE® module. Ease of use is designed into the system through the Smart Cycler software. Each Smart Cycler II processing block contains sixteen independently controlled, programmable I-CORE modules, each with one reaction site. Thermally optimized proprietary reaction tubes combined with the unique design of the I-CORE modules allow for rapid cycling and faster amplification and detection. A total of six Smart Cycler II processing blocks can be daisy-chained together, allowing simultaneous custom analysis of 96 discrete samples. 
     The Smart cycler II is ideally suited to research, such as PCR, and RT-PCR, that requires automatic, repeated, rapid heating and cooling cycles for test samples. Specific sequences can be detected using hybridization probes or intercalating dyes. The system has the capacity to store a number of user-generated protocols. All data, including cycling programs and assay results, can be stored in a database. Selected data can be exported to spreadsheet programs. 
     The disposable reaction tube is inserted into the I-CORE thermal cycling module for amplification. The chamber includes two heater plates made of a ceramic material that has high thermal conductivity to assure temperature uniformity and rapid heat transfer. Resistive heater elements are deposited on the ceramic plates using thick film technologies and a thermistor attached directly to each plate monitors it temperature. Cooling is accomplished with a high-efficiency fan that moves ambient air across the heater plates. The thermal cycling chamber&#39;s temperature is controlled by the instrument&#39;s firmware. The firmware incorporates a control loop to ensure rapid heating of the plates and to control their temperature overshoot around the desired point, allowing the temperature of the fluid in the reaction tube to be changed rapidly and precisely. 
     The Smart Cycler II optical system uses high intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs), silicon photodetectors, and appropriate filter for excitation and detection of four different spectral bands. The optical system includes two optical blocks: (1) a four-color excitor module and (2) a four-color detector module. These blocks are positioned within the device such that their apertures mate with the optical windows of the reaction tube, allowing excitation and emission detection of the reaction mixture (Cycler II Operator Manual; Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale, Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222). 
     Example 27 
     Fungal Spore Detection Protocol 
     The qualitative detection of the following fungal targets was performed. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
                 
                   Penicillium 
                 
                 
                   Stachybotrys 
                 
                 
                   Fusarium 
                 
                 
                   Candida 
                 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 (3)  niger   
                 (4)  chrysogenium   
                 (1)  chartarum   
                 (14)  solani   
                 (CA)  albicans   
                 (6) GEO 
               
               
                 (7)  flavus   
                 (5)  verrucosum   
                 (23)  echinata   
                   
                 (CK)  kruseii   
                   
               
               
                 (8)  fumigatus   
                   
                   
                   
                 (CG)  glabrata   
                   
               
               
                 (25) A  terreus   
                   
                   
                   
                 (CT)  tropicalis   
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Specimens: 
     Nucleic acid samples were extracted (e.g., from tissue, paraffin embedded tissue, swabs, spore solutions, and/or urine, etc.). A minimum of 25.0 mg or 200.0 μL of sample was used for the extraction. DNA specimens could be stored at −10 to −25.9° C. until processed. 
     Materials: 
     SmartMix HM PCR Beads (Store at 2-8° C., expiration per manufacturer) (cat no. SMHM1-100N-200) (Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale. Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222); PCR grade purified water; Smart Cycler® Reaction Tubes (cat no. 9000022) (Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale, Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222); 1.5 mL tubes; Barrier pipette tips capable of 0.1 μL-1000.0 μL volumes; Disposable gloves; Marker, Smart Cycler® II Instrument (Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale. Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222); Smart Cycler® II cooling block with plastic rack (Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale. Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222); 
     Smart Cycler® 11 modified centrifuge (Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale, Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222); Microcentrifuge for 1.5 mL tubes; Tube puller (Cepheid, 904 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale. Calif, 94089, 888-838-3222); Tube racks capable of holding 1.5 mL tubes; Filtered PCR workstation; Pipettes capable of volumes ranging from 5.0 μL to 1000.0 μL; Primers and Probes (Store at room temperature indefinitely while lyophilized, Store at −10 to −28° C. upon reconstitution and dilution of probes, primers and working stocks (Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., orders@idtdna.com, 800-328-2661). Note: Probes were synthesized with the reporter FAM attached to the 5′ end of the probe and the quencher BHQ attached to the 3′ end of the probe. Primers were synthesized at a scale of 25 nm and probes are synthesized at a scale of 100 nm. Sequences were as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Target 1 -  S chartarum   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 1 char: 5′-ttgcttcggcgggaacgccccg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F2: 5′-gcggagggatcattaccgag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R2: 5′-atcgatgccagagccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 3 -  A niger   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 3 niger: 5′-tgtctattgtaccagttgcttc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-cgtaggtgaacctgcggaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-atcgatgccggaaccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 4 -  P chrysogenum   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 4 chry: 5′-ctctgtctgaagattgtagtctgagt 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-cgtaggtgaaectgcggaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-atcgatgccggaaccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 5 -  P verrucosum   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 5 verru: 5′-cccgcctttgaggccgcc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′ -cgtaggtgaacctgcggaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-atcgatgccggaaccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 6 -  G candidum   
               
               
                   
                 For Geo F1H: 5′-ggatctcttggactcgtatc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Rev Geo R1H 5′-cttgatctgaggttgaatagtg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 6 geo: 5″-aacgcacattgcactttggggtatc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 7 - A flavus 
               
               
                   
                 Probe 7 flav: 5′-cccgccattcatggccgccggg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-cgtaggtgaacctgcggaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-atcgatgccggaaccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 8 -  A fumigatus   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 8 fumi: 5′-aagtatgcagtctgagttgattatc 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F1: 5′-cgtaggtgaacctgcggaag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R1: 5′-atcgatgccggaaccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 14 -  F solani   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 14 salani: 5′-cgggaatagacggccccgtgaaac 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F2: 5′-gcggagggatcattaccgag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R2: 5′-atcgatgccagagccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 23 -  S echinata   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 23 echin: 5′-ttgcttcggcgggagagccccg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer F2: 5′-gcggagggatcattaccgag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer R2: 5′-atcgatgccagagccaagag 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target 25 -  A terreus   
               
               
                   
                 Probe 25: 5″- AGTCTGAGTGTGATTCTTTGCAATC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer 25 F: 5″-ACATGAACCCTGTTCTGAAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer 25 R: 5″-CCAAGAGATCCATTGTTGAAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target CA -  C albicans   
               
               
                   
                 Probe CA: 5′ -TCGGGGGCGGCCGCTGCGOG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CA F: 5″-AAAAAGTACGTGAAATTGTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CA R: 5″-AAGCCGTGCCACATTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target CK -  C kruseii   
               
               
                   
                 Probe CK: 5″-AAGGCGGTGTCCAAGTCCCTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CK F: 5″-TCAGTAGCGGCGAGTGAAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CK R: 5″′-AGAAGGGCCTCACTGCTTC 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target CG -  C glabrata   
               
               
                   
                 Probe CG: 5″-ACCTAGGGAATGTGGCTCTGCG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CG F: 5″-TGGGCCAGCATCGGTTTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CG R: 5″-CCTAGATAACAAGTATCGCAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Target CT -  C tropicalis   
               
               
                   
                 Probe CT: 5″-TCGGGGGTGGCCTCTACAG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CT F: 5″-AAAAAGTACGTGAAATTGTTG 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Primer CT R: 5″- AAGCCGTGCCACATTC 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Validation and Proficiency Testing: 
     All fungal targets were validated for qualitative determination. Proficiency testing of these fungal targets was processed as described. Every clinical sample processed was inoculated with spores from the internal control target Geo to show that a negative target result is a true negative result and not related to the extraction of the sample. The samples were processed through the extraction protocol and amplified and detected utilizing primer and probes specific for  Geometrica . A positive control (e.g., extracted from tissue, spore solutions, or purchased from a vender) for each target of interest (Primer/Probe sets) was processed along with each clinical sample in each real-time PCR run The positive control showed that the primer/probe set for each target is not being inhibited and showed that a negative result is a true negative. A negative control (e.g., extracted from tissue or water) for each target of interest (Primer/Probe sets) was processed along with each clinical sample in each real-time PCR run. The negative control showed that the primer/probe set, water and extraction reagents for each target is not contaminated with the target and showed that a positive result is a true positive. 
     Reagent Lots: 
     Primer/Probe. SmartMix, Negative and Positive Control Lots are tested in parallel with kit lots currently in use. In order to test the new lot, one sample from the test batch was processed twice in the same protocol run using both the new reagent lot and the old reagent lot. After the test was completed, the new lot of reagents was labeled with “QC Date,” the date of the test, and the initials of the person conducting the test. Record extraction results for the lot test in the Reagent Lot Log (10.7 G). If the results from the new lot differed from the current lot, the lot test was repeated or the reagent was disgarded. All lot numbers and lot test results were recorded in the Reagent Lot Log (10.7 G). 
     Procedure: Oligo and Probe Working Stock Preparation and Reaction Setup 
     Dilution of Probe Stocks: The lyophilized probes were resuspended in PCR grade water to a final concentration of 100 uM. (Example: If the synthesis yields 15.03 nMoles, add 150.3 of PCR grade water to achieve 100 uM concentration) Dilution of Primer Stocks: The lyophilized primers were resuspended in PCR grade water to a final concentration of 100 uM. (Example: If the synthesis yields 38.6 nMoles, add 386 uL of PCR grade water to achieve 100 uM concentration) 
     Exemplary Reaction Setup: 
     The reaction setup for one reaction is shown below. In some cases the addition of MgCl 2  or varying concentrations of primer/probe mix was required for PCR. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 DNA 
                 5.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Primer/Probe Working Stock 
                 3.5 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                 SmartMix Beads 
                 0.5 
                 Beads 
               
               
                   
                 PCR Grade Water 
                 16.5 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 25.0 
                 uL 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Smart Cycler Cycling Parameters (Omni Fungal I): Omni Fungal I was the primary program used for the fungal real time assays and the run parameters for this program are outlined below. Cases may occur where changes to this program may be necessary for a specific target or specimen type. 
     Step 1 (1 Cycle)
         Hot Start: 95° C. for 120 seconds       

     Step 2 (45 Cycles)
         Denature: 95° C. for 5 seconds   Anneal: 60° C. 45 seconds       

     SmartCycler Master Mix Worksheet 
     I. Run Information 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Test 
                 Omni Fungal I - 
                 Negative Control Lot No. 
                 052005 
               
               
                 Run 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 No. 
                 061205.1 
                 Positive Control Lot No. 
                 052705 
               
               
                 Date 
                 Jun. 18, 2005 
                 Internal Control Lot No. 
                 053005 
               
               
                 Initials 
                 J S S 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     II. Master Mix Setup 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Volume 
                 Reaction  
                 Total 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Reagent 
                 Lot # 
                 (uL) 
                 No. 
                 Amount 
                 Target 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Set 1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 H2O 
                 4532 
                 16.5 
                 6 
                 99.0 
                 (3)  A niger   
               
               
                 2 
                 P/P Working  
                 040505 
                 3.5 
                 6 
                 21.0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stock 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 SmartMix  
                 2456 
                 0.5 
                 6 
                 3.0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Bead) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 MgCl2 
                 NA 
                 0.0 
                 0 
                 0.0 
                   
               
               
                 Set 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 H2O 
                 4532 
                 16.5 
                 6 
                 99.0 
                 (2) A 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Versicolor 
               
               
                 2 
                 P/P Working  
                 020705 
                 3.5 
                 6 
                 21.0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stock 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 SmartMix  
                 2456 
                 0.5 
                 6 
                 3.0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Bead) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 MgCl2 
                 NA 
                 0.0 
                 0 
                 0.0 
                   
               
               
                 Set 3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 H2O 
                 4532 
                 16.5 
                 4 
                 66.0 
                 (6) Geo 
               
               
                 2 
                 P/P Working  
                 020705 
                 3.5 
                 4 
                 14.0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stock 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 3 
                 SmartMix  
                 2456 
                 0.5 
                 4 
                 2.0 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Bead) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 MgCl2 
                 NA 
                 0.0 
                 0 
                 0.0 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Add MgCl2 as needed per target subtract volume used from water added to maintain a 20 uL reaction. Add 20 uL of Master Mix to each tube and then add 5.0 uL of template for a total volume of 25.0 uL. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Position 
                 Sample 
                 Extract Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 (3) 6532 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 2 
                 (3) 6789 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 3 
                 (3) 7546 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 4 
                 (3) Positive Control 
                 May 27, 2005 
               
               
                 5 
                 (3) Negative Control 
                 May 20, 2005 
               
               
                 6 
                 (2) 6532 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 7 
                 (2) 6789 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 8 
                 (2) 7546 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 9 
                 (2) Positive Control 
                 May 27, 2005 
               
               
                 10 
                 (2) Negative Control 
                 May 20, 2005 
               
               
                 11 
                 (6) 6532 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 12 
                 (6) 6789 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 13 
                 (6) 7546 
                 Jun. 24, 2005 
               
               
                 14 
                   
                   
               
               
                 15 
                   
                   
               
               
                 16 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Data Analysis: 
     After the run was completed the results were analyzed by reviewing each site in the results table. If a specific sample tested was registered as positive by the software there was a positive in the results column for that sample. There was also a crossing point registered in the Ct column for that sample. A sample was analyzed as positive by the software if the curve breaks the fluorescence baseline threshold before the end of 40 of the 45 cycles and negative if it did not break the fluorescence baseline threshold before the end of 40 of the 45 cycles. 
     Results Interpretation: 
     A positive result was defined as any amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 1 and 40 of the real-time PCR run. A negative result was defined as no amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 1 and 40 of the PCR run. An equivocal result was defined as amplification observed crossing the fluorescence baseline threshold between cycles 40 and 45, a control out of range, or questions regarding sample integrity. A positive control was defined as a control that was positive for the target being tested and showed that the assay would detect the presence of target DNA and that there was not PCR inhibition. (Note: a sample that showed amplification for a target when the positive control was negative was reported as a positive result). A negative control was defined as a control that was negative for the target being tested and showed that the reagents or the sample were not contaminated with the target prior to the testing of the sample. An internal control was a control used to show that the extraction process was working for the purification of nucleic acid from the clinical specimen and that a negative result was truly negative and not due to an issue associated with the extraction. (Note: the internal control must be positive for any sample to be reported as negative for a target.) 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Results Interpretation 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Reportable 
                 Crossing 
                 Positive 
                 Negative 
                 Internal 
               
               
                 Result 
                 Point 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Positive Result 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                 Negative Result 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Unreportable 
                 Crossing 
                 Positive 
                 Negative 
                 Internal 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                 Point 
                 Control 
                 Control 
                 Control 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Positive 
                 &lt;40 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Negative 
                 (−) 
                 (+) 
                 (+) 
                 (−) 
               
               
                   
                 Result 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 28 
     Comparing a Single Step PCR Method to a Two-Step PCR Method on Human Serum Samples 
     In the following Example, RTL stands for Real Time Labs PCR results. This is a real-time PCR using the specially designed second set of primers and probes only. Dart PCR stands for Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (DART PCR) refers to the two-step PCR method as described herein. The methods used to obtain the data below are described in Example 2, 3, 4, and 5. The samples were of human serum. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 2014 University of Florida Serum Samples 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 RTL PCR 
                 Dart PCR 
                 RTL PCR 
                 Dart PCR 
                 RTL PCR 
                 Dart PCR 
                   
               
               
                 Sample 
                 Results 
                 Results 
                 Results 
                 Results 
                 Results 
                 Results 
                   
               
               
                 ID 
                 
                   A fumigatus 
                 
                 
                   A fumigatus 
                 
                 
                   A flavus 
                 
                 
                   A flavus 
                 
                 
                   A niger 
                 
                 
                   A niger 
                 
                 Comment 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Proven 
               
               
                 035 
                 Detected 
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   fumigatus 
                 
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Probable 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 040 
                 Detected 
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Proven 
               
               
                 082 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected  
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   fumigatus 
                 
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 081 
                 Detected 
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Probable 
               
               
                 106 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Species 
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 109 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Probable 
               
               
                 124 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Species 
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 128 
                 Detected 
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
                   
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Probable 
               
               
                 151 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected  
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Species 
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 152 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                   
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Positive 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Probable 
               
               
                 155 
                 Detected 
                   
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Species 
               
               
                 100- 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 Not 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 156 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
                 Detected 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data illustrate that the two-step PCR method was able to detect fungal DNA where a single step PCR method could not. The initial amplification step provides more sensitivity to the assay which allowed for detection of fungal targets previously undetected. 
     Example 29 
     Comparing a Single Step PCR Method to a Two-Step PCR Method on Patient Samples 
     In the following Example, RTL stands for Real Time Labs PCR results. This is a real-time PCR using the specially designed second set of primers and probes only. Dart PCR stands for Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (DART PCR) refers to the two-step PCR method as described herein. The methods used to obtain the data below are described in Example 2, 3, 4, 5, and 27. The samples were from human patients. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 
                   Aspergillus 
                 
                 Clinical Samples 
                 RTL PCR 
                 DART PCR 
               
               
                   
                 Samples 
                 Sample Type 
                 Results 
                 Results 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 2012 (RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 121416 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   A flavus 
                 
               
               
                 2 
                 124598 
                 BAL 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 3 
                 124601 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 4 
                 124592 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 5 
                 122162 
                 Fungal Isolate 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 6 
                 122341 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   A fumigatus 
                 
               
               
                 7 
                 124314 
                 Sputum 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
                 2013 (RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 8 
                 127031 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 9 
                 131415 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   A terreus 
                 
               
               
                 10 
                 132172 
                 Nasal Wash 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
                 2014 (RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 11 
                 142975 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   A terreus 
                 
               
               
                 12 
                 142976 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 13 
                 142977 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 14 
                 144744 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
                 2015 (RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 15 
                 153775 
                 BAL 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 16 
                 157251 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 17 
                 138789 
                 Whole Blood 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 18 
                 163014 
                 Nasal Wash 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 19 
                 160271 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 20 
                 159348 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 21 
                 156473 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 22 
                 162119 
                 Whole Blood 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 23 
                 163871 
                 Nasal Wash 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
                 2016 (RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 24 
                 162026 
                 BAL 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   A fumigatus 
                 
               
               
                 25 
                 166399 
                 Nasal Wash 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 
                   Candida 
                 
                 Clincal 
               
               
                   
                 Samples 
                 Samples 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 2012(RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 120468 - 2012-1 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C albicans, 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   C glabrata 
                 
               
               
                 2 
                 122339 - 2012-64 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 3 
                 124321 - 2012 -79 
                 Sputum 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
                 2013(RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 4 
                 125853 - 2013-17 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 5 
                 127635 - 2013-51 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 6 
                 134356 - 2013-55 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis, C 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   kruseii 
                 
               
               
                   
                 2014(RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 7 
                 133886 - 2014-1 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 8 
                 126773 - 2014-15 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 9 
                 144956 - 2014-21 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C albicans 
                 
               
               
                 10 
                 144955 - 2014-41 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                   
                 2015(RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 11 
                 150827 - 2015-3 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C albicans, C 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 12 
                 163352 - 2015-52 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis, C 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   kruseii 
                 
               
               
                 13 
                 156078 - 2015-47 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 14 
                 163698 - 2015-60 
                 Tissue 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 15 
                 133742 - 2015-63 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 16 
                 164464 - 2015-64 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 17 
                 163791 - 2015-70 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                   
                 2016(RTL 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Accession) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 18 
                 164204 - 2016-07 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 19 
                 165667 - 2016-10 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 20 
                 166123 - 2016-12 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                 21 
                 167007 - 2016-18 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 
                   C parapsilosis 
                 
               
               
                 22 
                 167005 - 2016-21 
                 Urine 
                 Not Detected 
                 Not Detected 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The table above demonstrates that the two-step PCR method was able to detect fungal DNA in patient samples where a single primer and probe real-time PCR analysis could not. The two-step method provided more sensitivity to detect the presence of fungal DNA that was undetectable using a single step PCR method. The two-step method was able to detect fungal DNA regardless of sample type including fluid or tissue.