Hanyang Med Rev.  2006 Nov;26(4):52-58.

Molecular Biology of Cutaneous Fungal Infection

• Choi JS

Abstract

Traditional identification of fungi is based on their gross morphology and microscopic findings. It takes a long time and needs experience and sometimes it is difficult because their morphology may change. Nucleic acid detection methods such as PCR have become a common tool for microbial identification and diagnosis. Molecular typing techniques provide information to detect their infection routes. They are fast, sensitive, and reproducible. Pure DNA, the targets, and methods are important for good results. There are lots of techniques like sequencing, RFLP, RAPD, and hybridization. Each method has its advantage and limitation, and proper selection is essential. In clinical application, careful consideration will reduce errors. There is a limited number of reports about cutaneous fungal infection. We review the molecular methods for fungal identification and typing, and discuss the advantages and limitations of the methods.

Keyword

Fungi; PCR; rDNA; Molecular identification; Molecular typing

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
DNA
DNA, Ribosomal
Fungi
Molecular Biology*
Molecular Typing
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
DNA
DNA, Ribosomal