Evaluation of fluorescence microscopy using acridine orange stain versus hematoxylin and eosin stain in the diagnosis of onychomycosis

Background: Fluorescent microscope examination of films stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain was recommended for its diagnostic utility in the identification of fungal structures. Objective: To evaluate acridine orange (AO) stain versus H&E stain in the diagnosis of onychomycosis by a fluorescence microscope. Patients and methods: Thirty-five patients with clinically suspected onychomycosis were subjected to an examination of their nail samples by potassium hydroxide 20% direct light microscopic examination, mycological culture by light microscopy, and fluorescence microscope using AO stain and H&E stain. Results: Fungal fluorescence was observed as spores, thin septate, or broad aseptate filaments with a fluorescence outline. AO-stained films yielded the same positivity (91%) as the potassium hydroxide 20% and mycological culture. There was a significant difference on comparing AO-stained films versus H&E-stained films examined by fluorescence microscopy (91, 14.3%; P
Source: Journal of the Egyptian Women’s Dermatologic Society - Category: Dermatology Tags: Original articles Source Type: research