Introduction: Dermatophytes are a closely related group of keratinophilic fungi. They encompass important etiological agents of superficial fungal infections. These fungi are able to invade keratinized tissues of humans and animals, causing dermatophytosis (ringworm) of hair, nails or skin. The aim: Traditional diagnostics of ringworm is based on morphological identification of cultured fungi and is time-consuming. Materials and methods:...

We have previously described a highly sensitive 5-hour PCR test for the rapid diagnosis of onychomycosis which detects any dermatophyte and species-identify T. rubrum from patient specimens. We have subsequently developed and evaluated new PCR tests for detection of Trichophyton and Microsporum canis/audouinii infections.58 dermatophyte isolates (21) Microsporum spp. (4 different species), 35 Trichophyton spp (10 different species)...

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic molds that infect human hair, nails and skin. Diagnosis of dermatophytosis is based on morphological, serological and biochemical features. However, identification is difficult and laborious due to similarities between microorganisms. Thus, there is considerable interest to develop mycological diagnostic procedures based on molecular biology methods. In this study, fast, two-step DNA extraction...

Microsporum canis, for which the natural hosts are cats and dogs, is the most prevalent zoophilic agent causing tinea capitis and tinea corporis in humans. We present here a diagnostic PCR test for M. canis, since its detection and species identification is relevant to the choice of treatment and to the understanding of a probable source of infection. An M. canis-specific PCR was evaluated using 130 clinical isolates of dermatophytes...

Since traditional diagnosis of dermatophyte infections is slow, we present a rapid new pcr test for detection of trichophyton spp., microsporum canis and m. audouinii infections. the performance of the test was evaluated with: 58 dermatophyte isolates; 10 yeast, mould and human dna control samples; 25 routine specimens from patients suspected of having dermatophytosis; 10 hair specimens from guinea pigs experimentally infected...