Fungi of Alternaria genus are cosmopolitan organisms, which spores can be found in the air, soil, water, clothing and food. They commonly occur as saprotrophs on the plant remains, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter. Additionally, they are components of the normal human and animal skin flora. Alternaria spp. are also known human allergens, causing hay fever and allergic reactions that can lead to the development...

Real-Time PCR is a sensitive DNA amplification technique initially applied in genetics and molecular biology. It enables in vivo copying of the selected DNA fragment (flanked by two primers) by the thermostable polymerase (in the presence of magnesium ions and deoxynucleotide triphosphates) and simultaneous measurement of the fluorescence. For one or more specific sequences in a DNA sample, real-time PCR enables both detection...

Fungi of the Alternaria genus are mostly associated with allergic diseases. However, with a growing number of immunocompromised patients, these fungi, with A. alternata being the most prevalent one, are increasingly recognized as etiological agents of infections (phaeohyphomycoses) in humans. Nowadays, identification of Alternaria spp. requires their pure culture and is solely based on morphological criteria. Clinically, Alternaria...

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...

Dermatofity należą do blisko spokrewnionej grupy grzybów, które wykazują wysokie powinowactwo do skeratynizowanych tkanek. Cecha ta czyni je odpowiedzialnymi za powierzchniowe grzybice skóry, paznokci oraz włosów. Szacuje się, iż nawet do 20% ludzi na całym świecie dotkniętych jest infekcjami powodowanymi przez dermatofity. Ich leczenie wymaga długotrwałego zastosowania leków przeciwgrzybiczych. W celu dobrania odpowiedniego leczenia...