Diagnostics of fungal infections

Abstract

With growing numbers of fungal species potentially encountered in the clinical laboratory, antifungal drug resistance and the introduction of molecular biology and mass spectrometry diagnosis of fungal infections has changed dramatically in recent years. Whereas modern technologies have undoubtedly provided novel tools aiding in reliable and timely diagnosis of these often life-threatening infections, a thorough knowledge of fungal biology, taxonomy, and microscopic appearance are still crucial for medical mycology. This chapter summarizes classical and modern approaches to diagnosis of fungal infection. Whereas the focus is set on microbiological (or rather mycological) methodology, major clinical aspects such as radiological appearance are also covered because reliable diagnosis of invasive mycoses is and will most likely continue to be an interdisciplinary effort.