title: Nondermatophytic filamentous fungi infection in South America--reality or misdiagnosis?
abstract: For the last 10 years, a steady increment in the diagnosis of nondermatophyte filamentous fungal infections has been observed. This trend also applies to the valuation of the medical mycology. It can be attributed, in part, to the increased concern of the population with the aesthetic aspect, the easiest access to health information, and the increased demand for specialized jobs. Moreover, increase in the diagnosis of new emerging fungi is also caused by the improvement of the diagnostic techniques available as well as the qualification and constant update of the professionals in medical mycology. Another relevant aspect is the valorization of medical mycology in the medical curriculum. Misdiagnosis can lead to treatment failures, because not all nail diseases are caused by fungi. Therefore, the importance of clinical diagnosis is strictly associated with laboratory results.
authors.affiliation: University of Gama Filho, Rua Ribeiro de Almeida 44, Apt. 102, 22240-060, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. regina.schechtman@gmail.com
authors.forename: Regina Casz
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Schechtman
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D005658:Fungi / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016533:Mycological Typing Techniques / Q000379:methods; D009172:Mycology / Q000379:methods; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents