NAIL INFECTIONS

The increasing prevalence of onychomycoses, along with the wider range of organisms now recognized as potential pathogens, necessitates the accurate laboratory identification of the specific fungus involved. Al though the majority of infections still are caused by dermatophyte and Candida species, many other nondermatophyte molds, such as Scytalidiu m dimidiatum have been shown to be common agents of disease in certain geographic areas. It is well recognized that infections by nondermato phytes such as Scopulariopsis, Acremonium, and Aspergillus species occ ur worldwide. The availability of a range of new antifungal agents wit h various spectra of activity means that the exact identification of t he pathogen is necessary to select the optimum treatment.