Development of a rapid, cost-effective TaqMan real-time PCR assay for identification and differentiation of coccidioides immitis and coccidioides posadasii

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii. We developed a TaqMan real-time PCR assay that rapidly and accurately differentiates the species. This assay can be used as a tool to improve disease surveillance, increase understanding of the natural history of the infection, and assist in clinical differentiation studies. © 2010 ISHAM.