Diagnosis of fungal diseases.
In this chapter, we focus on diagnostic laboratory methods that are necessary and suitable for providing physicians with a timely and accurate diagnosis of fungal diseases. After discussing some pre-analytical aspects, the complete set of methods, i.e., microscopy, histopathology, culture, antigen detection, DNA detection, and antibody detection, is concisely described. Identification techniques depend on the fungal group involved. Therefore, separate paragraphs are dedicated to the identification of yeasts and filamentous fungi, which include moulds, dermatophytes, and dimorphic fungi.
Kappe
Reinhard
R
Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene am HELIOS Klinikum Erfurt, Nordhäuser Str. 74, D-99089 Erfurt, Germany.
Rimek
Dagmar
D
D000818:Animals; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000737:chemistry; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D005658:Fungi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013048:Specimen Handling
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal