Blood lysate staining, a new microscopic method for diagnosis of fungemia using peripheral blood

We developed a microscopy method for the detection of fungal cells in perip heral blood, termed blood lysate staining, using an approximately 5x5 mm do tted blood lysate, This method was able to detect the emerging fungal patho gen Trichosporon asahii in murine models of systemic fungal infection and f ungemia in patients quickly and at minimal cost. Pathogenic yeasts were suc cessfully detected in 6 of 8 blood samples which were taken from feverish i mmunocompromised patients who were clinically suspected of having fungal in fections, Fungal cells were observed as ovoid to elongated, 3x3 to 7x10 mu m, and occurred singly, budding, and in short chains and clusters in a peri odic acid-Schiff-stained blood smear. The yeast cells were easily distingui shed from blood-cell debris by their size, shape and smooth yet rigid outli ne.