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[Microscopic diagnosis of onychomycoses]
G E Piérard1, J E Arrese, S Pierre
1Service de Dermatopathologie, CHU du Sart Tilman, Liège.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Histological examination and immunohistochemistry improve the diagnosis of onychomycosis, offering better identification of fungi in nail infections. In vivo confocal microscopy shows future potential for direct fungal visualization.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Diagnostic Pathology
Context:
- Onychomycosis diagnosis can be challenging due to non-pathogenic fungi in cultures and negative cultures despite microscopic evidence of fungi.
- Accurate identification of fungal pathogens is crucial for effective treatment of nail infections.
Purpose:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of standard histological examination, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo confocal microscopy for onychomycosis.
- To establish diagnostic criteria for differentiating fungal types in nail samples.
Summary:
- Histological examination is a valuable routine technique for identifying fungal nature and location in the nail plate.
- Immunohistochemistry offers enhanced fungal identification in onychomycosis, though currently experimental.
- In vivo confocal microscopy represents a promising future technology for direct, non-invasive fungal visualization in clinical settings.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for onychomycosis, leading to more targeted and effective patient treatment.
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry provide essential information for differentiating fungal elements in nail infections.
- Advancements in imaging techniques like confocal microscopy may revolutionize the clinical diagnosis of fungal nail diseases.