Mycology Basics, Part 4: Superficial and Cutaneous Fungi

Course overview

Competency in laboratory mycology, a specialty area of clinical microbiology, depends on the knowledge, experience, and awareness of the mycologist. Proper collection of specimens and knowledge of processing techniques, tests, stains, and reagents used in the identification of pathogenic fungi are key to rapid isolation, accurate identification, proper treatment of the patient, and avoiding potentially fatal consequences for the patient. Differentiating and identifying types of fungi that cause skin and other surface infections is an important skill to aid providers with diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.