DNA sequencing of fungi in a microbiology laboratory

Abstract

The identification of fungi in a general microbiology laboratory using traditional techniques has always been problematic for several reasons. These include the requirement for trained personnel to identify the fungi, as well as the fact that many fungi take much longer than bacteria to grow, making identification of these organisms in a timely fashion difficult. An additional complication is that some fungi do not show characteristic structures, making identification by traditional techniques difficult, if not impossible. DNA sequencing for the identification of fungal cultures can be easily established in a laboratory that is set up for bacterial DNA sequencing. This technology, when complemented with appropriate levels of training in classical fungal identification, will extend the mycological capabilities of a general microbiology laboratory.