MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Diagnostic Performance of a PCR-Based Approach for the Diagnosis of Dermatomycosis

Summary

This study evaluated a new testing method combining DNA analysis (PCR) with traditional microscopy and culture to diagnose fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. The PCR method detects the infection quickly and accurately, identifying the specific fungus causing the problem within days rather than weeks. The study of over 4,400 samples found that Trichophyton rubrum was the most common cause of fungal infections, and the combined testing approach was 98.5% accurate while reducing unnecessary lab work.

Background

Dermatomycoses are superficial fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails affecting an estimated 20-25% of the global population. Conventional diagnostic methods are limited by long turnaround times and lack of species-level specificity. Modern DNA-based tools like PCR should provide faster and more accurate diagnosis.

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a pan-dermatophyte PCR-based workflow for dermatomycosis in routine diagnostics and describe the epidemiological landscape in Tyrol, Austria.

Results

Of 4,483 specimens, 1,170 (26.1%) were PCR-positive, predominantly with Trichophyton rubrum (76.4%) and T. mentagrophytes-interdigitale complex (15.4%). The PCR-based workflow demonstrated 94.6% sensitivity, 98.0% negative predictive value, and 98.5% overall diagnostic accuracy. Among 335 non-dermatophyte fungi identified, Aspergillus spp. were most frequent.

Conclusion

The proposed PCR-based workflow demonstrated high sensitivity and accuracy, supporting its suitability for routine diagnostics while reducing the need for microscopy and culture. This approach enabled reliable species-level identification and provided valuable epidemiological insights, with T. rubrum predominating in the study region.
  • Published in:Mycoses,
  • Study Type:Retrospective Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41208750, DOI: 10.1111/myc.70127
Scroll to Top