Laboratory diagnosis of fungal infection

Abstract

There are numerous species of fungi of which only a few are pathogenic to humans. Laboratory procedures in diagnostic mycology are directed mainly towards the direct demonstration of the pathogenic fungi in clinical specimens by microscopy along with successful isolation of pathogenic fungi by using various culture techniques. They also help in the prediction of possible therapeutic outcome by determining antifungal susceptibility and can also be used in epidemiological studies by tracing the source of infection. No single procedure may help in definitive diagnosis, since each has its own limitations. Accurate diagnosis relies heavily on a combination of microbiological, histopathological and serological evidence. There is also a need to characterize fungi quickly and accurately which can be done by rapid diagnostic techniques like antigen detection and molecular techniques. This article contains specific conventional and advanced techniques concerning a practical approach to the laboratory investigations of fungal infections.