Abstract: A primer pair that includes a forward primer and a reverse primer is used to amplify a nucleic acid from a pathogen associated with a skin, hair and nail infection that includes SEQ ID NO: 22. A nucleic acid capable of hybridizing specifically to a nucleic acid sequence from a pathogen associated with a skin, hair and nail infection that includes SEQ ID NO: 22 is provided. A carrier that includes the nucleic acid is provided. A method can be used to detect in a sample a nucleic acid sequence including SEQ ID NO: 22 from a pathogen associated with a skin, hair, and nail infection. The primer pair, the nucleic acid, or the carrier may be useful for the diagnosis of a disease. A kit including the primer pair, the nucleic acid, and/or the carrier may be useful for the diagnosis of a disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods assessing nucleic acids encoding a dermatophyte extracellular serine/threonine-rich protein (ESTRP gene) in identifying and preferably differentiating between dermatophytes. The invention relates further to corresponding detection kits, in addition to isolated probes and oligonucleotides.