Fungal Elements in KOH Mount of Bile Microscopy-Introduction, Fungal Elements Observed in Bile KOH Mount, Applications, and Keynotes

Bile sample before centrifugation for KOH mount and fungal culture

Introduction KOH Mount of Bile is a direct microscopic examination technique used to detect fungal elements in bile fluid collected during ERCP, biliary drainage, cholecystectomy, or liver procedures.Because bile contains mucus, epithelial debris, fats, and pigments, a 10–20% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution is used to …

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Fungal Elements in KOH Mount of Sputum Microscopy-Introduction, Fungal Elements Observed in Sputum KOH Mount, Applications, and Keynotes

Fungal Elements in KOH Mount of Sputum Microscopy at a magnification of 1600X

Introduction KOH mount of sputum is a rapid, direct microscopic technique used to detect fungal elements in the respiratory tract. A 10–20% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution digests mucus, epithelial cells, and debris in sputum, while preserving the chitin-rich fungal cell walls, making them appear clear, …

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Direct Microscopy-KOH Smear: Introduction, Uses, and Keynotes

Introduction Direct microscopic examination is one of the most rapid and inexpensive diagnostic methods for detecting fungal elements in clinical specimens. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear is a routine technique in mycology that helps visualize fungal structures such as hyphae, yeast cells, and sclerotic bodies directly …

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Blood Culture–Positive Yeasts: Introduction, Common molds, Comparison, and Keynotes

Gram-positive budding yeast-like cells, oval to elongated, arranged singly, in pairs, and in short pseudohyphae-like forms in Gram staining of culture microscopy at a magnification of 4000X

Introduction Unlike molds, yeasts are the most commonly recovered fungi in blood cultures. Candidemia is among the leading causes of bloodstream infections in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Yeasts such as Candida, Cryptococcus, and Trichosporon are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Blood culture positivity …

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Yeasts-Broth Microdilution Testing (EUCAST): Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Yeasts-Broth Microdilution Testing (EUCAST) Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Fungal infections caused by yeasts, particularly Candida and Cryptococcus species, represent a significant clinical challenge in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is crucial for guiding therapy, particularly in cases of treatment failure or the emergence of resistance. The broth microdilution …

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Yeasts (Disk Diffusion) Assay: Introduction, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

Yeasts (Disk Diffusion) Assay

Introduction Disk diffusion assay is a standardized method used for testing antifungal susceptibility of yeasts, especially Candida spp. It evaluates the inhibitory effect of antifungal agents on yeast growth by measuring the zone of inhibition around drug-impregnated disks placed on inoculated agar. This method is …

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Bacteria and Fungi: Introduction, Description, Demonstration Techniques, Differences, and Keynotes

Bacteria and Fungi Introduction, Description, Demonstration Techniques, Differences, and Keynotes

Introduction of Bacteria and Fungi They are distinct types of microorganisms with different structures and characteristics. Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes, while fungi can be single-celled (yeasts) or multicelled (molds, mushrooms) eukaryotes. They can be distinguished by their cell structure, colony morphology, and staining properties.  Description 1. Cell …

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Candida albicans-Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Yeast cells, budding yeasts, and pseudohyphae in KOH mount of sputum microscopic examination

Introduction Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen in humans. It inhabits mucosal surfaces naturally and colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system frequently. The organism causes infections in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals and adapts quickly to environmental changes within the host. Clinicians report …

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