Fungal Culture
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Fungal culture is a microbiological test used to detect and identify fungi (yeasts and molds) in clinical samples.
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🧪 What is Fungal Culture?
Fungal culture is a microbiological test used to detect and identify fungi (yeasts and molds) in clinical samples. It helps diagnose fungal infections by allowing the fungi to grow under controlled laboratory conditions for identification and sensitivity testing.
- Common sample types: Skin, nail, hair, sputum, blood, CSF, urine, vaginal swab, tissue biopsy
- Culture media: Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Brain Heart Infusion Agar, Chromogenic media
❓ Why is the Fungal Culture Done?
To:
- Diagnose superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic fungal infections
- Identify the specific fungal species causing infection
- Guide antifungal treatment (some labs perform sensitivity testing)
- Monitor immunocompromised patients (e.g., HIV, cancer, transplant patients)
- Evaluate non-healing wounds, ulcers, or chronic infections
📊 Normal Range / Result
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
No growth after incubation (typically 4 weeks) | Normal – no fungal infection detected |
Growth of fungal colonies | Abnormal – indicates presence of fungal organisms; requires further identification |
🧬 Culture time can vary from 2 days (yeasts) to 4–6 weeks (dimorphic fungi or dermatophytes).
📈 Interpretation of Positive Results
Fungal Type | Possible Diagnosis |
|---|---|
Candida species | Oral/vaginal thrush, bloodstream infection |
Aspergillus species | Pulmonary aspergillosis, sinusitis |
Cryptococcus neoformans | Meningitis (especially in HIV patients) |
Dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton, Microsporum) | Ringworm, athlete’s foot, nail infections |
Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides | Systemic mycoses (endemic fungi) |
Malassezia species | Tinea versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis |
🧠 Associated Organs and Conditions
Organ | Fungal Infections |
|---|---|
Skin/Nails | Dermatophytosis, candidiasis |
Lungs | Aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis |
Mouth/Vagina | Candidiasis (thrush) |
Brain (CSF) | Cryptococcal meningitis |
Blood | Candidemia, fungemia |
Eyes/Ears | Fungal keratitis, otomycosis |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- KOH Mount / Wet prep – Rapid screening for fungal elements
- Fungal Stains (PAS, GMS) – For biopsy samples
- Blood culture (fungemia)
- Cryptococcal Antigen Test – In suspected meningitis
- Beta-D-Glucan / Galactomannan assays – For invasive fungal infections
- PCR-based fungal panel – For quicker identification
- Antifungal susceptibility testing
✅ Fasting Required?
Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
Fasting Required? | ❌ No fasting required – Sample collection depends on infection site, not influenced by food intake |
📝 Summary
Parameter | Summary |
|---|---|
What | Test to grow and identify fungi from clinical specimens |
Why Test | Diagnose superficial or systemic fungal infections; guide treatment |
Normal Result | No fungal growth |
Abnormal Result | Growth of Candida, Aspergillus, Dermatophytes, etc. |
Associated Conditions | Thrush, ringworm, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, fungal meningitis |
Follow-up Tests | KOH mount, fungal stain, antigen detection, PCR, susceptibility |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
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