[Laboratory diagnosis of visceral mycoses]

Prognosis of visceral mycosis depends on an early and well-adapted treatment. So, diagnosis must be done as early as possible. The clinician must first think of mycosis in front of a fever resistant to antibiotics or an unusual symptomatology, particularly in patients at risk for this opportunistic infection. The laboratory role is then essential. Isolation of the responsible fungus must be the first step. It leads to confirmation of diagnosis and to the choice of the best antifungal treatment. The search of antibodies and, in immunocompromised patients, of circulating antigens, is of precious help when no fungus is isolated or to confirm its pathogenicity. Unfortunately, diagnosis is often difficult. New molecular biological techniques should improve the quality and delay of mycological diagnosis.