Nail fungus is caused by dermatophytes, yeast and mold, but it can also be caused by dermatophytes, yeast and mold. Onychomycosis is characterized by thickening of the nail with degrees of white to yellow-brown discoloration, as well as separation from the nail bed. In spite of the fact that fungal nail infections can happen to anyone, older people, diabetes mellitus patients, poor peripheral circulation, peripheral neuropathy, and weakened immune systems are more likely to get them.

We need molecular testing to diagnose and treat an infection correctly. It lets us figure out where the infection comes from. It's a highly sensitive, accurate, and specific diagnostic test that identifies a variety of fungal/parasitic infection sources based on a single patient sample.

Onychomycosis can be diagnosed in the laboratory by detecting fungi, but it doesn't identify the genus, species, or the specific pathogen. Comparatively to common culture methods (>3 weeks), PCR tests identify pathogenic fungal or parasitic infections way faster (1-2 days). By doing so, doctors can diagnose and treat their patients more quickly, which leads to better patient care and more effective therapeutic outcomes.