APMA News - May/June 2022 - 46

BakoDx offers the most accurate diagnostic method for
web space infectious dermatitis
W
*
hile interdigital infectious dermatitis may be due to a
variety of organisms that cause similar presentations,
we know their treatment differs.
BakoDx developed a highly sensitive and highly
specific PCR test to identify the exact infectious agents involved in
web space dermatitis. The simple skin scrape test is performed inoffice,
providing podiatric clinicians with ease of use, rapid results
and the most accurate diagnostic method available - allowing for
optimal patient satisfaction.
The BakoDx Web Space PCR assay identifies the fungal and/
or bacterial causative agent within the web space keratin, when
present, resulting in the clinically identified dermatitis.
* Dermatophytes
* Candida spp
*
Corynebacterium minutissimum
Gram-negative bacteria
* Staphylococcus aureus*
*If positive, reflex test is performed for the mecA gene of
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
" The test is
designed for those
patients with web
space dermatitis,
where an infectious
etiology may
be included in
the differential
diagnosis. "
" This test is designed for
those patients with web space
dermatitis, where an infectious
etiology may be included in the
differential diagnosis, " said Dr.
Wayne L. Bakotic, Chief Medical
Officer at BakoDx. " PCR
analysis allows us to identify
the infectious agent in the most
accurate, efficient and rapid
manner. "
Differential diagnosis for
interdigital dermatitis may
include Corynebacterium
minutissimum in erythrasma,
tinea pedis, candidal intertrigo
and/or primary or secondary bacterial infections. There is also
a growing awareness of gram-negative bacterial web space
infections. The differential diagnosis of web space dermatitis
would also include non-infectious etiologies such as web space
eczema or psoriasis. 1, 2
The BakoDx Web Space panel identifies the causative agent
of interdigital skin infections with the highest sensitivity and
specificity available, compared to conventional diagnostic
methods. Results are available within 1-2 days, giving clinicians
the advantage of rapid, targeted patient treatment plans. The
comprehensive molecular analysis report provides a clear and
detailed explanation of the test results and therapeutic options,
with literary references.
COMPARE TESTS Web Space PCR Test
1-2 days
Turnaround Time
Sensitivity
Specificity
94-100%3
97-100%3
1Hainer BL. Dermatophyte infections. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 67(1):101-8.
2Bristow I. Non-ulcerative skin pathologies of the diabetic foot. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(Suppl1):S84-89.
5Internal validation study with clinical samples, ranges based on entire panel of target organisms.
3J Am Acad DDermatol. 2003 Aug;49(2):193-7.
4Jacob Oren Levitt, Barrie H. Levitt, Arash Akhavan, and Howard Yanofsky, " The Sensitivity and Specificity of Potassium Hydroxide Smear and Fungal Culture Relative to Clinical Assessment in the Evaluation
of Tinea Pedis: A Pooled Analysis, " Dermatology Research and Practice, vol. 2010, Article ID 764843, 8 pages, 2010; Journal of Basic & Clinical Medicine 2016; 5(2):4-6
Web Space infections can be caused by a variety of organisms.
Pictured, from left: inflamed erythrasma; a previously macerated
and healed ulcer of the interspace and infected tinea pedis.
" The identification of pathogens present in web space infections
is critically important for prompt and effective therapy, " said Dr.
William P. Scherer, Senior Podiatric Medical Advisor for BakoDx.
" Providing the appropriate therapy reduces treatment failures
and repeat patient visits. In addition, early and accurate diagnosis
may also prevent secondary infections compounding the clinical
presentation and adding complexity to the treatment regimen. "
While a skin biopsy is recommended for a histopathologic
evaluation when neoplastic processes and non-infectious
dermatitis are suspected, the web space PCR test is intended to
be the first line diagnostic option for patients with superficial web
space dermatitis to diagnose or rule out infectious etiologies.
LESS INVASIVE SKIN SCRAPE SAMPLE COLLECTION
The collection method for a patient's specimen is a superficial
skin scraping performed in-office with the debris collected in a
Dermapak®.
When it comes to proper web space specimen collection
technique and obtaining adequate tissue, Dr. Scherer states, " the
best method is to scrape exfoliated surface keratin directly into
the Dermapak®, followed by wiping the instrument on the inner
surface of the collection pack to ensure optimal acquisition. If
visible tissue is procured from the scraping, then you likely have
adequate sample for testing. "
This collection method is time saving and by far a less invasive
sampling method with little to no post procedure wound care.
" With the definitive identification of the infectious agent through
the use of PCR testing, physicians can rest assured their first
therapeutic choice is the best option, " said Dr. Bakotic.
To begin ordering the BakoDx's Web Space PCR test,
call 855-422-5628 or visit bakodx.com/webspace.
Culture
2-28 days
50-75%3
100%3
Histopathology
2-3 days
85-90%4
72%4
KOH (fungal
Same day
73-91%5
42-91%5

http://www.bakodx.com/webspace

APMA News - May/June 2022

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