Utility of semithin sections in the diagnosis of donovanosis

The relative merits of tissue smears, paraffin sections and semithin plastic embedded sections in the diagnosis of donovanosis were assessed. In three cases reported negative or doubtful for the organisms by the former two methods, semithin plastic sections provided definite diagnosis. The latter method revealed in addition the organisms in epidermis and perivascular locations. From amongst the three stains: toluidine blue, Leishman's and thionine azure II basic fuchsin, the last mentioned was found to be the method of choice for demonstrating the organisms differently from the host cells.