Abstract

LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF THE CAUSATIVE DERMATOPHYTES OF TINEA CAPITIS

Mohamed Khalid*

Abstract

Most laboratories do not perform mycologic examinations for diagnosis of tinea capitis because laboratory practitioners still believe that mycological procedures are too difficult to do and that the fungi are too infectious to handle require specialized mycologist. This discussion presents conventional and modern methods suitable for use in laboratories of all sizes especially laboratories with limited resources. It is hoped that laboratories will take the initiative in offering diagnostic mycology services for Tinea capitis routinely to be both a rewarding experience to those who choose to become involved and provides an accurate diagnostic services for patients care and professional support and response to the requested tests by clinicians.

Keywords: Tinea capitis, dermatophytes, laboratory diagnosis, KOH preparation, staining methods, culture method, Molecular assays.