The Role of Microbiology for Diagnosis of Fungal Infections

Abstract

The diagnosis of IFIs is often complicated following the absence of specific signs and symptoms, especially in the early phases of the disease. The proven diagnosis of IFI still remains based on classic diagnostic methods that use microscope observation of fungal elements in host tissue or sterile material, and isolation in culture from sterile sites. Although the classic diagnostic methods have a limited sensitivity to detect IFIs, these approaches must be considered as essential investigations to be performed when possible. To facilitate early diagnosis of IFIs and to make an early therapeutic intervention in an attempt to reduce the high mortality associated with invasive fungal infections, alternative procedures based on the detection and quantification of fungal biomarkers have been developed. The use of an integrated diagnosis that associates conventional methods with the use of biomarkers seems to be important for a rapid and accurate diagnosis of IFIs.