Diagnostic Modalities in Medical Mycology: Current Methods and Emerging Tools
Ene Chidiebere Brown *
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Akpa Winifred Chinwedu
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Nweke Idakari Chinedu
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Ene Ebele Chidiebere
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Onoh Toochukwu Joan
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Akpa Christain Obasi
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Udochukwu Kingsley Nzube
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Osuagwu Chioma Stella
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Okparaoka Samuel Uchechukwu
Department of Morbid Anatomy, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Okparaoka Vivian Chisom
Department of Virology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Onyeyili Ikemefuna Nnamdi
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Lokoja, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mycology is a rapidly evolving field of science that has great potential to improve the understanding of fungi and their impact on the world. The review explores specific diagnostic methods employed in fungal diagnosis, tracing the evolution from traditional approaches to the more advanced and sophisticated techniques utilised in contemporary mycology. It emphasises the importance of integrating both conventional and innovative tools to enhance the early detection and accurate identification of fungal pathogens. Advances in sequencing technology and other molecular techniques are expanding the knowledge of fungal diversity and function. Synthetic biology is opening up new possibilities for using fungi as biotechnological tools. Many existing diagnostic methods are time-consuming, labour-intensive, and require specialised equipment and trained personnel. Therefore, there is a need for the development of diagnostic tests that are rapid, easy to use, and can be deployed in resource-limited settings. The future of medical mycology lies in integrating cutting-edge diagnostics with therapeutic innovation and a deeper understanding of host–pathogen interactions.
Keywords: Advanced imaging techniques, DNA sequencing, fluorescence In-situ hybridisation, reflectance confocal microscopy, synthetic biology