Peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization-based identification of Candida albicans and its impact on mortality and antifungal therapy costs.

The impact of rapid identification of Candida albicans blood isolates by peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA FISH) on the selection and expenditure of antifungal therapy was evaluated. PNA FISH was 100% sensitive and specific in the rapid identification of 31 out of 72 candidemias as C. albicans and resulted in a significant reduction of caspofungin usage, with an overall cost savings of 1,729 US dollars per patient.