Rapid detection of dermatophytes using the Seegene Novaplex™ dermatophyte assay

Abstract

Objectives We assessed the performance of the Seegene Novaplex™ Dermatophyte Assay for diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Methods Sixty‐one clinical samples from skin, nail, hair and culture were selected based on RT‐PCR according to Wisselink et al. Of these samples, 26 samples were negative and 35 samples were positive with 39 dermatophytes strains. Emerging fungal strains harbouring terbinafine resistance (i.e. T. indotineae and T. mentagrophytes) were included. Results The specificities of the Novaplex™ Dermatophyte Assay ranged between 94.3% and 97.9%. The sensitivities for the detection of T. rubrum complex, T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex and C. albicans were 94.1% (95% CI: 71.3–99.9), 78.6% (95% CI: 49.2–95.3) and 100% (95% CI: 69.2–100), respectively, with Cohen's kappa of at least 72.9%. Conclusions The Seegene Novaplex™ Dermatophyte Assay can be used for reliable screening of dermatophytes, including emerging strains in a routine laboratory setting.