Laboratory diagnostics of fungi
Fungal studies in the laboratory
Diagnostics with fungal culture or the most modern PCR method
In order to be able to determine a fungal infection with certainty, there are various examination methods. In our practice, we offer classic diagnostics, fungal culture or alternatively the PCR method.
Classic diagnostics of fungal cultures
In the classic diagnostics a fungal culture is created in our dermatological mycological laboratory. Using microscopy, the sample is viewed at high magnification to determine whether fungal components are present in the sample. When creating a fungal culture, the sample material is placed on a special culture medium and left there for up to 6 weeks to grow. If fungi grow during this period, they are differentiated using various criteria such as growth, appearance and colour, so that conclusions can be drawn about the type of pathogen present from the culture after a long wait.
Too little pathogen material in the sample or therapy that has already started, e.g. with nail polish, can restrict or change the growth of the pathogen, making correct assignment more difficult.
Fast and accurate diagnostics with PCR
The PCR test, on the other hand, offers a very precise and fast diagnosis. The advantage here is that the result is usually available within a few days and the therapy can be started promptly. Due to the sensitive analysis method, even the smallest amounts of pathogens can be reliably detected, which avoids false-negative results. The specific analysis method also enables the pathogen(s) to be precisely identified (even in the case of mixed infections) and can also provide possible indications of sources of infection.
The EUROArray Dermatomycosis we use is a PCR-based method for Detection of 56 fungal speciesthat cause skin, hair and nail infections. Of these 56 pathogens, this detection method in the same approach 23 dermatophyte, 3 yeast and 3 mold species identified.
As a PCR-based detection method, this test system is also more sensitive and specific than the classic detection methods, which means that the PCR detection (EUROArray Dermatomycosis) contributes significantly to faster and better diagnosis of skin, hair and nail fungi. The specificity of the diagnosis of skin infections enables targeted and stage-appropriate therapy of infectious skin diseases.
