Trial of the differential diagnostic media «DTM-Expert» for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis in the dermatovenerological dispensaries

Fungal culture represents the «gold standard» for diagnosing infections caused by dermatophytes. However, laboratories and trained mycological staff are required for culture diagnostics. It is desirable to introduce methods for point-of-care diagnosis of dermatophytosis, which would be effective and easy to use. The aim of the study was the approbation of the domestic diagnostic media DTM-Expert for the diagnosis of human dermatophytosis in the conditions of dermatovenerological dispensaries. In two separated healthcare dispensaries, a cultural study of 40 clinical samples was conducted using DTM-Expert medium in parallel with Sabouraud medium. It was established that the isolation rate of dermatophytes on the DTM-Expert medium was 42.5%, while on the Sabouraud medium it was only 27.5%. Twelve isolates of Microsporum canis, 2 of Trichophyton rubrum, 3 of Microsporum spp. were isolated at DTM-Expert. Eleven isolates of M. canis were obtained on Sabouraud's medium, while T. rubrum was not isolated at all. Dermatophyte M. canis caused reddening of the DTM-Expert medium at 6.6 days on average, thus providing a quick visual indication of pathogens. Contamination on the experimental medium was observed in 5% of cases, and in 42.5% on the Sabouraud medium. The data obtained allow us to recommend the DTM-Expert diagnostic media for implementation in medical healthcare practice.