Detection of fungi in clinical specimens by phase-contrast microscopy

During 1973 and 1974, the following fungi were detected in clinical specimens by using phase-contrast microscopy: Blastomyces dermatitidis, 5; Coccidioides immitis, 3; Cryptococcus neoformans, 11; other yeasts 918; dermatophytes, 863; Mucor species, 1; and Aspergillus fumigatus, 16. This technique allows rapid detection and, in many instances, immediate identification of fungi in clinical specimens.