Comparing the diagnostic accuracy of PCR‐reverse blot hybridization assay and conventional fungus study in superficial fungal infection of the skin: A systematic review

Abstract Background In superficial fungal infections, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of infection and minimise the impact on patients' quality of life. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as KOH smear and fungal culture, have limitations in terms of sensitivity and turnaround time. Recently, the PCR‐reverse blot hybridization assay (PCR‐REBA) has been developed for the direct detection of dermatophyte DNA. However, there is a lack of information assessing the diagnostic accuracy of PCR‐REBA. Objectives This systematic review aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR‐REBA in superficial fungal infections compared to conventional and molecular methods. Methods The comprehensive search containing Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases was conducted on 7 August 2022. Two reviewers independently reviewed the included articles. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale tool. Results The included studies were conducted in Korea (five studies) and the Netherlands (two studies), all of which were conducted in a single institution. The quality assessment of these studies indicated low risk of bias. When compared to the potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear and fungus culture, the sensitivity of PCR‐REBA ranged from 85% to 100%, and the positive predictive values ranged from 58.9% to 100%. When compared to the RT‐PCR, the sensitivity of PCR‐REBA ranged from 93.3% to 100%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 91.6%–99.6% and 81.0%–89.1%, respectively. Conclusions The PCR‐REBA shows promise as a valuable diagnostic tool for dermatophytosis, offering practical and cost‐effective benefits.