New Rapid Test to Detect Dust Fungus in Humans and Dogs

Researchers at Indiana University have developed a molecular test capable of simultaneously detecting three major disease-causing fungi. This real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is designed to identify histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis more quickly than traditional diagnostic methods.

The research was presented at the Association for Molecular Pathology 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo in Boston. According to the findings, the PCR test identifies samples with 100% accuracy and 100% specificity, meaning it does not mistakenly flag contaminants or other types of fungi.

The test targets genetic regions unique to each fungus. This approach allows clinicians to bypass the traditional culture process, which is often slow because these fungi can switch between environmental and human forms.

Addressing Diagnostic Gaps in Soil-Borne Fungi

Histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis are often linked to contaminated soil and are found in various regions of the United States. Because these infections frequently mimic other respiratory illnesses, they are often misdiagnosed, which can delay the start of necessary treatment.

The three pathogens target different areas and present different risks:

• Histoplasmosis is most common in the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys and typically occurs when patients inhale soil containing bat or bird droppings, resulting in lung infections.
• Blastomycosis occurs primarily in the southeastern and central United States. While it also presents as a lung infection, it has the potential to spread to the skin, bones, and other organs.
• Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, is another soil-borne fungal infection.

Kenneth Gavina, PhD, who oversaw the project, stated that the assay has the potential to significantly improve turnaround time and diagnostic confidence for infections that have historically been difficult to detect quickly.

Developments in Rapid Testing and Veterinary Diagnostics

Parallel to the research at Indiana University, other rapid diagnostic tools are emerging. On January 4, 2026, it was reported that a new rapid test for Valley fever developed in Phoenix is expected to change how the disease is diagnosed.

These soil-borne fungal infections also affect animals, particularly dogs. MiraVista Veterinary Diagnostics specializes in non-invasive biomarkers, such as fungal DNA, anti-fungal antibodies, and fungal antigens, to diagnose invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in animals.

For dogs with suspected blastomycosis, MiraVista utilizes enzyme immunoassay (EIA) antigen tests. These tests can be performed using serum or urine samples. For instance, the urine antigen EIA for dogs shows a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 98%.

These non-invasive options provide a cost-efficient alternative to invasive testing, which is otherwise often required to confirm a diagnosis of an invasive fungal infection in veterinary patients.