Molecular genetic methods that use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are due their speed widely employed in diagnostic approaches in microbiology. In this report, the possibilities of application of these methods in medical mycology are discussed with regard not only to species identification, but also for genotyping of strains for epidemiological purposes. Recently, a tendency to exploit molecular genetic methods rather for epidemiological studies than for routine species identification may be observed. With regard to the high inter-species variability, careful standardization using samples of isolates of the tested species from corresponding geographical origin is necessary. Perspectives of future development associated with the explanation of molecular biological relations between human tissues and the pathogen, with the recognition of mechanisms of virulence and resistance to antifungal drugs are discussed.

        Key words: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – isolation of DNA – species identification – epidemiological studies – mycology.