Evaluation of a multiplex qPCR assay for rapid diagnosis of fungal pneumonia and tuberculosis in people with advanced HIV disease.

Multiplex qPCR assay detects histoplasmosis and pneumocystosis with 100% and 80% sensitivity respectively in PLWHA, aiding rapid diagnosis of fungal pneumonia.

• Why it matters: Fungal pneumonias and TB are leading causes of death in people with advanced HIV, but overlapping symptoms delay diagnosis, especially where rapid tests are unavailable.
• What they did: A cross-sectional study evaluated a multiplex qPCR targeting four pathogens in respiratory samples from 88 adults with HIV and pulmonary symptoms, comparing it to standard diagnostics.
• The result: The assay accurately detected histoplasmosis and pneumocystosis, with overall accuracy up to 86%, supporting its use as a complementary tool for differential diagnosis in high-risk HIV populations.