Molecular Diagnosis of Endemic Mycoses

Abstract

Endemic mycoses; Molecular diagnosis

Micosis endémicas; Diagnóstico molecular

Micosis endèmiques; Diagnòstic molecular

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.

This research was funded by research project PI21CIII/00007 from Spanish Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.