Economical microscope configuration for direct mycological examination with fluorescence in dermatology

Background: The use of fluorochromes such as Blankophor or Calcofluor allow s to detect immediately and without ambiguity fungal elements in dermatolog ical preparations. Whereas fluorescence microscopy is widely practised in c linical laboratories, it is not generally used in private practice because of the high price of a epifluorescence microscope. Objective:To propose an economical microscope configuration to visualize fungal elements using fluo rescence. Methods:The preparations were examined with a standard microscope for routine observations, equipped with only two supplementary filters. Re sults: Because the fungal elements produce a particularly bright fluorescen ce, a 25-watt halogen light is sufficient to visualize them in dermatologic al preparations: Conclusions: The proposed microscope configuration for dir ect mycological examination is particularly economical since equipment for epifluorescence and a vapour mercury lamp are not necessary. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.