Respiratory fungal infections: molecular diagnostic tests.

Fungal infection of the respiratory tract can take several forms, the most common of which is pneumonia. Fungal infection can occur in the immunocompetent typically as a result of inhalation of a large inoculum of fungal elements. However, the number of etiologic agents attacking immunocompetent individuals and causing significant infection is limited. Molecular assays are a potential additional and sensitive weapon that can be added to the diagnostic arsenal used by physicians to determine whether a fungus is definitively, probably, or possibly causing infection in a patient.