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PCR –reverse blot hybridization assay for fast and accurate identification of causative species in superficial fungal infections
Author(s) -
Park S. Y.,
Kim B. K.,
Wang H. Y.,
Kim S. H.,
Kim H. J.,
Lee H. Y.,
Choi E. H.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.12797
Subject(s) - polymerase chain reaction , biology , species identification , fungal pathogen , microbiology and biotechnology , real time polymerase chain reaction , liquid culture , pathogen , botany , gene , genetics
Summary Background Superficial fungal infections are a very common problem in dermatological clinics. The diagnostic method of fungal culture is time‐consuming and has inconsistent sensitivity. Therefore, a practical method for rapid and accurate identification of the species causing superficial fungal infections is needed. Aim To compare PCR –reverse blot hybridization assay ( PCR ‐ REBA ) with conventional fungal diagnostic methods so as to determine the reliability of PCR ‐ REBA for the diagnosis and species identification in superficial fungal infections. Methods Potassium hydroxide ( KOH ) preparation, fungal culture, conventional real‐time PCR and PCR ‐ REBA were used to assess 83 specimens, and the results from each method were compared. Results Of the 83 specimens, 44 specimens that were positive by fungal culture had 62.7% agreement with PCR ‐ REBA . Compared with real‐time PCR , there was 68.7% agreement with fungal culture, but 91.6% agreement with PCR ‐ REBA . When the comparison was made using the 55 specimens that gave positive results in both KOH preparation and fungal culture, there was 85.5% agreement with real‐time PCR for fungal culture, but 94.5% agreement with PCR ‐ REBA . Conclusions Compared with KOH preparation or fungal culture, PCR ‐ REBA has higher sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, PCR ‐ REBA could be a useful method in clinical settings because it can identify species quickly and accurately, and can also determine the existence of pathogens.