Diagnosis of onychomycosis by trypsin treatment method

• Main Authors: Xess Immaculata, Dubey Deepti, Purva Mathur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2007-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Dermatology
• Subjects: <i>Candida spp.; onychomycosis; trypsin treatment</i>
• Online Access: http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2007;volume=52;issue=1;spage=61;epage=63;aulast=Xess

<b>Background: </b> Fungal infection of the nails is a common, difficult to treat problem, prevalent worldwide. A discrepancy in the microscopic examination and culture findings can create problems in the diagnosis of this common infection. <b> Aim:</b> This study was designed to evaluate a new method for accurate diagnosis of onychomycosis. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> Nail samples from 25 patients of suspected onychomycosis were taken. A portion of the samples was treated with 2&#x0025; trypsin before culturing and the rest was processed by the standard mycological technique. <b> Results:</b> A higher number of culture positive samples were obtained by the trypsin treatment method as compared to the standard technique. <b> Conclusion:</b> Trypsin treatment prior to culture increases the isolation of fungi from nail samples.