RAPID MICROSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS OF DEEP-SEATED MYCOSES FOLLOWING MACERATION OF FRESH SPECIMENS AND STAINING WITH OPTICAL BRIGHTENERS

A fluorescent staining procedure, which used to be recommended for the detection of fungi in skin and nail scrapings, can be adapted for the rapid detection of fungal elements in non-sectioned biopsies or respi ratory secretions. The specimens are directly stained with an optical brightener (Blankophor P flussig, Cellufluor, Uvitex 2B) preferentiall y after exposure to 20% aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The proc edure can also be applied to Gram-stained microscopic mounts. The high intensity of the fluorescence elicited allows rapid microscopic scree ning at low magnifications.