Comparing real-time PCR and Calcofluor-white with conventional methods for rapid detection of dermatophytes: Across-sectional study

In this study, the performance of conventional methods, Calcofluor-white, and Real-time PCR methods were compared to establish an effective method for screening dermatomycosis. Our results showed excellent agreement between direct examination with Calcofluor -white (kappa = 0.97) and real-time PCR (kappa = 0.89) in 307 clinical samples. •Excellent agreement was found between Calcofluor –white and real-time PCR methods.•Real-time PCR with upgraded DNA extraction showed good results on clinical samples.•Culture of specimens was unable to detect one fifth of microscopic positive samples.