title: Diagnostic testing for fungal diseases.
abstract: Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose, and accurate interpretation of laboratory data is important to ensure the most appropriate treatment for the patient. An overview of the nonspecific diagnostic aids and specific fungal diagnostics is presented. Additionally, a brief summary of the role of free-living saprophytes and pathogenic dimorphic fungi is discussed in relation to exotic animals seen in veterinary practice. The important fungal diseases are reviewed with reported prevalence, hosts and with specific diagnostic testing recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Animal Hospital of High Park, 3194 Dundas Street, West Toronto, Ontario M6P 2A3, Canada. rflane@quixnet.net
authors.forename: Robin F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005658:Fungi / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology