Diagnosis and pathogenesis of dermatophyte infections

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M D Richardson1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Glasgow, UK.

British Journal of Clinical Practice. Supplement
|September 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Microscopy offers rapid diagnosis of dermatophyte infections by identifying fungal structures like hyphae and arthrospores. While culture is more sensitive for definitive identification, microscopy is crucial for diagnosing infections like onychomycosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Diagnostic Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Dermatophyte fungi spread through direct or indirect contact.
  • Infection begins with colonization of the stratum corneum.
  • Contagious fungal particles are likely arthrospores or hyphal fragments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic utility of microscopy for dermatophyte infections.
  • To compare microscopy with culture methods for fungal diagnosis.
  • To discuss methods for enhancing microscopic sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopic examination of keratinous tissues for fungal elements (hyphae, arthrospores).
  • Use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) with dyes or fluorescent brighteners to enhance visualization.
  • Fungal culture for definitive identification and sensitivity comparison.

Main Results:

  • Distinctive morphology and size of dermatophytes in keratin facilitate rapid diagnosis via microscopy.
  • Microscopy can provide definitive diagnosis, especially in cases like onychomycosis where culture may fail.
  • Enhanced microscopy (e.g., with Calcofluor white) improves detection in tissue and biopsy sections.
  • Culture offers greater sensitivity by examining larger sample volumes and enabling definitive species identification.

Conclusions:

  • Microscopy is a valuable rapid diagnostic tool for dermatophyte infections.
  • Enhanced microscopy techniques improve fungal element detection.
  • Culture remains essential for sensitive and definitive identification of dermatophytes.

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