Tinea unguium diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction [single and multiplex] versus conventional methods

ABSTRACT

Background: onychomycosis is a common nail disorder, affects approximately 5% of the population worldwide and represents 50% of onychopathies and about 30% of mycotic cutaneous infections. Onychomycosis requires administration of antifungal agents for long periods. Several nail disorders may mimic to onychomycosis clinically. Therefore sensitive, quick and inexpensive test is essential for screening nail specimens. In our labs we commonly diagnose onychomycosis using potassium hydroxide [KOH] preparation and culture. These tests are either time-consuming or require specially trained personnel. A recently developed polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay has the potential to provide a quick and inexpensive method for diagnosis of onychomycosis. We studied all these different methods in the diagnosis of onychomycosis with special concern on tinea unguium diagnosis