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The rapid diagnosis of tinea capitis using calcofluor white
P J Honig1, K Sullivan, K L McGowan
1Departments of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
The clinical presentation of tinea capitis may be varied and confusing. This results in delays in diagnosis, loss to follow-up, and spread of the infection. This article describes the use of calcofluor white (CFW) as a method for rapid diagnosis of tinea capitis. One hundred children with scaling scalps were evaluated. Specimens were obtained for fungal culture from each patient. Scales and hair were tested using the CFW test. The CFW test was positive in 58 (76%) of those with positive fungal cultures and 10 (42%) with negative fungal cultures. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 76 and 58%, respectively. The relative ease and rapidity of the CFW test allows for rapid diagnosis of tinea capitis, immediate treatment of patients, and decreased loss to follow-up.