Molecular analysis for diagnosing onychomycosis - PiedRéseau Boisbriand
Superficial fungal infections (SFIs, also called superficial mycoses) are benign but common infections of the skin, hair, scalp, or nails caused by tiny fungi. SFIs are often caused by dermatophytes, fungi that feed off the keratin on the surface of the skin. Other types of fungi (such as non-dermatophyte mould or some yeasts) may also cause mycoses, sometimes in combination.
The World Health Organization estimates that SFIs affect 25% of the world’s population. (1)
SFIs are mainly transmitted in three ways: human, animal, or environmental contact.
Human transmission:
Contact with an infected person Contact with an object contaminated by an infected person, such as a yoga mat, towel, or sandals Contact with a contaminated surface such as the floors of a shower or public pool
Animal transmission (zoophilic)
Direct contact with infected animals, including pet dogs and cats
Soil transmission...