Related Resources:
Fungal Nail Infections - Onychomycosis Fungal Infection Links
Definition:
A fungal culture is sometimes performed to determine if a fungus is causing an infection, or to determine the exact fungus involved. The skin is scraped with a scalpel to remove dead skin cells. If the nails are involved, the affected nails are clipped. The skin or nail clippings are prepared and cultured in a special medium called Sabouraud medium. This medium contains broad-spectrum antibiotics to inhibit the growth of bacterial. It also has a pH indicator that changes color in the presence of the by-products of fungal reproduction. A fungal culture must be incubated for up to 4 weeks and the contents examined under a microscope regularly to determine the exact fungal organism involved.
Related Terms
• Bacterial Culture
• KOH Test
• Viral Culture
Jock Itch
Jock itch is a common fungal infection that affects more men than women. Find out more about this infection and what can be done to treat it.
A fungal infection of the nails causes thickened, discolored nails that can be painful. Find out what fungal nail infections look like and how they are diagnosed.
Links to more information all over the web about fungal infections.
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