NAIL/HAIR/SKIN
TESTING
Nail infections are prevalent in both fingernails and toenails and often pose treatment challenges. These infections can lead to thickened, brittle, or discolored nails, typically caused by fungal (onychomycosis) or bacterial (paronychia) pathogens affecting the nail bed, nail plate, or surrounding tissue. Injuries or irritations frequently precipitate these infections in the nail or surrounding areas, especially in patients with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation.
Fungal and bacterial infections affecting nails, hair, and skin require precise clinical diagnosis for effective treatment planning. Conventional detection methods like culture and direct microscopy can be time-consuming and less sensitive, often failing to detect nail pathogens adequately. These methods may also be influenced by prior use of antibiotics or antifungals, impacting test accuracy.
In contrast, molecular diagnostics offer a more targeted approach to identifying a wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens, including those with antibiotic resistance. At Augustus Laboratories, we utilize multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. This advanced method analyzes simple nail clippings, hair samples, or small skin pieces to provide comprehensive insights into pathogen presence and resistance profiles. This enables tailored treatment strategies based on robust scientific data.
AMONG THE PATHOGENS IDENTIFIED IN THE IGX NAIL, HAIR, AND SKIN PATHOGEN TEST ARE:
BACTERIA/FUNGUS
- Alternaria spp
- Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus
- Candida group 1 (Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis)
- Curvularia lunata
- Epidermophyton floccosum
- Fusarium keratoplasticum (solani)
- Geotrichum candidum
- Malassezia furfur
- Microsporum ferrugineum, Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum canis
- Nocardia asteroides
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Scopulariopsis brevicaulis
- Scytalidium dimidiatum
- Trichophyton Group (T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, T. tonsurans).
MOLECULAR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
- Carbapenemase and Matallo-Betalactamase Resistance
- Class A and C Beta-lactams Resistance
- Class A and Plasmid ESBL Resistance
- Class C Beta-lactams Resistance
- Class D Betalactamase Resistance
- Dihydrofolate and Sulfonamide Resistance
- Quinolone Resistance.
Clinical Solution
Augustus Laboratories provides clinicians with state-of-the-art molecular methodologies for detecting, quantifying, and identifying resistance genes in pathogens. Our technology platform delivers rapid and precise results, integrating antibiotic resistance data alongside regional sensitivity profiles, medication costs, antibiotic efficacy, FDA guidelines, and personalized pharmacy recommendations.
