A key to the genera of medically important fungi

Abstract

A simplified method for the rapid identification of medically important fungi is presented in the form of a dichotomous key. By noting the presence or absence of diagnostic features, one can effectively use the key to separate medically important fungi from other fungi. An unfamiliar fungus of medical importance in tissue or culture can be identified to genus within minutes with a high degree of accuracy.

Variable characteristics such as color, size, texture, and shape of colonies are not used in the key. Colony morphology varies with different culture media, age, incubation temperature, and other factors. Biochemical studies are required for the identification of yeast-like organisms.