Objectives:
To elaborate on the MALDI-TOF diagnostics and detection of Candida species with increased sensitivity from clinical samples, such as blood, CSF, and urine by using new enrichment tools in collaboration with ESR13 (P10). Secondly, bio-informatics analysis of the full MALDI-TOF spectra will identify phenotype (e.g. species, resistant) characteristic peaks that may be used for subsequent targeted diagnosis in clinical samples. On resistant phenotypes ESR13 will collaborate with ESR4 (P2).
Methodology:
The aimed enrichment method will be based on llama antibodies to specifically bind and enrich yeast cells or cell content/biomolecules and thereby enrich them from clinical samples. Magnetic bead based technology is planned for the enrichment from liquid samples/suspensions, with a MALDI-TOF MS based read out. Diagnostic peaks for species and interesting traits, e.g. resistance, will be identified using detailed bioinformatics analysis. The ESR will closely interact with ESR 4 (P2), ESR8 (P5), ESR 11 (P8) and ESR 13 (P10).
An overview of the project can be downloaded here:
