Comparison of Fungal Fluorescent Staining and ITS rDNA PCR-based Sequencing with Conventional Methods for Diagnosis of Onychomycosis

Accurate identification of fungal causes for onychomycosis is essential proper treatment. Presently available laboratory methods show unreliable sensitivity; so there a requirement innovative detection techniques. The aim this work was to assess the efficiencies fluorescent staining and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing in comparison conventional techniques diagnosis onychomycosis. Nail specimens obtained from 100 patients with clinically- diagnosed were analyzed. scrapings or clippings subjected direct microscopic examination by KOH mount, culture using Sabouraud’s dextrose agar histopathological periodic-acid Schiff (PAS). Collected subsequently examined PCR-based (30 only) compare feasibility, sensitivity diagnostic accuracy these two methods. most frequently isolated fungi yeasts (39/76: 51.3%), dermatophytes (24/76; 31.6%) non-dermatophyte molds (NDMs) (13/76; 17.1%). Mixed mycotic infections recovered 6% collected nail specimens. positive rates significantly different between examinations (52%), plate histology (55%), (70%) (80%). Considering as gold standard, sensitive technique PCR (100%) followed (89%), PAS (69%) while least mount (53%). Fluorescence can be used rapid high-yield highly faster compared culture. Whenever possible, it enables species higher adequacy.