Fungal Infection

Fungal Infection Testing

Fungal tests are conducted to detect and identify fungi causing infections. These tests help guide treatment, ranging from superficial infections (like athlete's foot and yeast infections) to serious systemic infections (like fungal lung infections or blood infections).

Fungi exist as one-celled yeasts or filamentous moulds, and around 20-25 species commonly cause infections. While superficial infections are frequent and often mild, deep and systemic infections can pose significant risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

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Types of Fungal Tests

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For Superficial Infections:

Calcofluor White Stain:

  • Sample: Similar to KOH prep.
  • Description: Stain binds to fungal elements, fluorescing under UV light for better visualisation.
  • Uses: Detects fungi but doesn't identify the type.
  • Results time: Rapid.

Fungal Culture:

  • Sample: Skin, nails, hair, body fluids, tissue, vaginal swabs, sputum, and blood.
  • Description: Grows fungi for identification and susceptibility testing.
  • Uses: Identifies specific fungi causing infections.
  • Results time: Weeks.

KOH Prep:

  • Sample: Skin scrapings, nails, hair, vaginal swabs, body fluids, sputum.
  • Description: Dissolves non-fungal elements, leaving fungal elements visible under a microscope.
  • Uses: Primary screening tool to detect fungi but doesn't specify the type.
  • Results time: Rapid.

For Systemic Infections:

Antibody Testing:

  • Sample: Blood, CSF, body fluids.
  • Description: Detects immune responses to fungi, showing recent or past infections.
  • Uses: Diagnoses and monitors infections.
  • Results time: may take days or weeks.

Susceptibility Testing :

  • Sample: Fungus isolated from culture.
  • Description: Determines the most effective antifungal treatment.
  • Results time: Days to weeks post-culture.

Molecular Tests(for RNA, DNA):

  • Sample: Fungus from culture, blood, CSF, or body fluids.
  • Description: Identifies fungal DNA or RNA.
  • Uses: Detects specific fungi, though not widely available.

Antigen Testing:

  • Sample: Blood, urine, CSF, body fluids.
  • Description: Detects proteins linked to specific fungi.
  • Uses: Diagnoses specific fungal infections.
  • Results time: Days; some rapid tests available.

When to Get Tested?

  • Suspected fungal infections (skin, lung, systemic).
  • Symptoms such as itchy skin, nail changes, white patches in the mouth, or flu-like symptoms for lung infections.
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of antifungal treatments.

Testing Procedure

Preparing for the test

No test preparation is required. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider of any relevant medical history, and don't hesitate to ask any questions or express concerns about the procedure.

During the test

The sample collected depends on the suspected location(s) of the infection:

Meningitis suspicion: A cerebrospinal fluid sample is collected.

Deeper tissue, organ, or systemic infections: Samples may include urine, blood from a vein, sputum from the lungs, bone marrow, or a tissue biopsy.

Superficial infections: Samples may include skin scrapings, clipped or shaved nails or hair, vaginal secretions (collected with a swab), or a urine sample.

Result collection

Results are typically available within a few days and are handled discreetly. A healthcare professional will provide a detailed explanation and discuss the next steps if the test is positive for a fungal infection.

Interpreting Results

  • Positive test: Indicates a fungal infection, with further tests identifying the specific fungus.
  • Negative test: There is likely no fungal infection; symptoms may be due to other causes.
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Schedule an appointment

If your healthcare practitioner recommends a test, or if you notice any symptoms related to fungal infections, contact the health screening clinic to book an appointment today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Fungal tests help diagnose infections, guide treatment, and monitor effectiveness:

  • Persistent infections: Tests like fungal cultures, antigen/antibody tests, and molecular tests help confirm diagnoses. Cultures can take weeks, and susceptibility testing helps identify the best antifungal treatment.
  • Superficial infections: Diagnosis often involves physical exams and microscopy. Treatment is based on experience and guidelines.
  • Keep skin dry, especially in folds or moist areas.
  • Use flip-flops in shared spaces like pools.
  • Change socks and underwear daily.

Certain fungi are geographically restricted. For instance, Histoplasma exposure might occur during cave exploration or excavation, exposing individuals to fungal spores, which may cause lung infections months or years later.

Superficial infections might resolve, but systemic ones can worsen, causing permanent damage or death without treatment.

Some fungal infections require long-term treatment, even if symptoms improve quickly. Yeast infections may clear in weeks, but others, especially deep infections, may take months or years to treat fully.

Fungal lung infections mimic tuberculosis symptoms. Testing ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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