[Onychocola canadensis: first isolates from onychomycoses in Slovakia]

Abstract

Toenail onychomycoses are among the most common human superficial mycoses. The species spectrum of the causative agents, mainly nondermatophytes, is broad and varied. During 14 months (March 2007 to April 2008), Onychocola canadensis Sigler 1990, an uncommon nondermatophyte, was identified microscopically and by culture as the causative agent of nail infection in four patients. It is the first report of this species in the Slovak Republic. The experience gained with the identification of this uncommon, slow-growing arthroconidial fungus is presented.