VERY RAPID DETECTION OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS

摘要

A very rapid method for the detection of a peroxidase-containing fungus comprises the steps of: (a) contacting a sample suspected of containing such fungus with a mixture which comprises (t) a peroxide selected from hydrogen peroxide and addition compounds thereof containing latent hydrogen peroxide; (ii) a scavenger (suc h as EDTA or a salt thereof) effective to remove heavy metals which may potentially decompose said peroxide catalytically; (iii) an alkaline buffer solution having the capacity to maintain the pH at a value within the range of 9.5 to 14; and (iv) an oxidizable substrate which comprises at least one compound selected from .beta.-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-u-alanine (DOPA), caffeic acid an d salts thereof excepting heavy metal salts; and (b) ob- serving whether within two hours from the contacting step an intense color develops indicating the presence of peroxidase-con- taining fungus in the sample. Also included is a test kit for carrying out t he method of the invention.