Hanyang Med Rev.  2006 Nov;26(4):67-72.

Culture and Identification of Fungi in Dermatomycoses

• Lee MK

Abstract

It is estimated that the number of fungal species is now in excess of 100,000, with approximately 1500 new species described each year. At present, more than 200 species of fungi have been demonstrated to cause in humans. Because the clinical symptoms and radiographic findings in fungal infections are not specific, diagnosis usually depends on three basic laboratory approaches: microbiologic, immunologic, and histopathologic. Recently, the application of nucleic acid-based detection and identification methods offers promise as rapid methods of diagnosis for fungal infections. Successful laboratory diagnosis of fungal infection is directly dependent on the proper collection of appropriate clinical specimens and the rapid transport of the specimens to the clinical laboratory. Microscopic examination of clinical specimens is perhaps the most rapid, useful, and cost-effective means of diagnosing fungal infections. The isolation of fungi on culture is the most sensitive means of diagnosing infections, and in most instances it is necessary to identify the etiologic agent.

Keyword

Fungus; Laboratory diagnosis; Microscopy; Culture

MeSH Terms

Clinical Laboratory Techniques
Dermatomycoses*
Diagnosis
Fungi*
Humans
Microscopy