Molecular Diagnosis of Endemic Mycoses

Abstract

Diagnosis of endemic mycoses is still challenging. The moderated availability of reliable diagnostic methods, the lack of clinical suspicion out of endemic areas and the limitations of conventional techniques result in a late diagnosis that, in turn, delays the implementation of the correct antifungal therapy. In recent years, molecular methods have emerged as promising tools for the rapid diagnosis of endemic mycoses. However, the absence of a consensus among laboratories and the reduced availability of commercial tests compromises the diagnostic effectiveness of these methods. In this review, we summarize the advantages and limitations of molecular methods for the diagnosis of endemic mycoses.

Keywords: NGS; PCR; endemic mycoses; molecular diagnosis.

Figure 1

Description of the technical characteristics, advantages and limitations of the molecular methods used for the diagnosis of endemic mycoses including specific PCR methods, methods based on broad range PCR and new methods as those based on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). MCA: melting curve analysis.