Diagnostic capacity for cutaneous fungal diseases in the African continent.
Int J Dermatol
; 62(9): 1131-1141, 2023 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37340531
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Cutaneous fungal infections are very common, especially in poorer communities and with intercurrent HIV infection. Determining the fungal pathogen in skin-related fungal neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) determines optimal therapy. We undertook a country survey across many African countries to determine the diagnostic capacity for skin fungal diseases.METHODS:
A detailed questionnaire was delivered to country contacts to collect data on availability, frequency, and location of testing for key diagnostic procedures and followed up with 2 rounds of validation by video call and by confirmation of individual country data confirmation by email.RESULTS:
Of 47 countries with data, seven (15%) and 21 (45%) do not offer skin biopsy in the public or private sector, respectively, but 22 (46%) countries do it regularly, mostly in university hospitals. Direct microscopy is often performed in 20 of 48 (42%) countries in the public sector and not done in 10 (21%). Fungal cultures are often performed in 21 of 48 (44%) countries in the public sector but not done in nine (20%) or 21 (44%) in either public or private facilities. Histopathological examination of tissue is frequently used in 19 of 48 (40%) countries but not in nine (20%) countries in the public sector. The cost of diagnostics to patients was a major limiting factor in usage.CONCLUSION:
Major improvements in the availability and use of diagnostic tests for skin, hair, and nail fungal disease are urgently needed across Africa.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções por HIV
/
Dermatomicoses
/
Malária
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Dermatol
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Senegal