Polyphasic identification of fungi

Fungi are important biodegradant destruents of organic matter in the biosphere by utilizing a primarily heterotrophic, osmotrophic life style. Fungi possess favourable and non-favourable properties forhumans. They can serve as resource for natural compounds and have numerous biotechnological implications to serve our benefits. On the other hand, they are capable to become parasites and pathogens in humans leading to devastating infections. Reliable diagnostics precede efficient therapy. Human pathogenic fungi are identified using molecular (barcoding), growth physiological and morphological methods including susceptibility tests against fungicides during a polyphasic approach. This project is performed in close collaboration with the National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses.