Otomycosis: the detection of fungi in ears by immunofluorescence microscopy.
The procedure currently used to diagnose infection in otitis externa has several limitations: it is slow to culture organisms on growth media, fungal infections are often missed, and extensive laboratory facilities and mycological expertise are required. A rapid, accurate and sensitive assay would greatly improve patient care by initiating appropriate antifungal treatment at the onset of disease. We report the development of a rapid detection assay for otomycosis using fungal-specific monoclonal antibodies to detect fungi in ear swabs by immunofluorescence microscopy. This assay could form the basis of a detection assay for fungal infections of the head and neck.
Gurr
P A
PA
Royal National Throat, Nose & Ear Hospital, London, UK.
Evans
K
K
Dewey
F M
FM
Gurr
S J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000382:microbiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal