Cost-effective method for identification of dimorphic fungi.

Traditional methods to identify dimorphic fungi dictate that the mold be converted to the yeast phase at 35 to 37 degrees C. We present a time- and cost-saving method of confirming the identification of a dimorph by using special stains to demonstrate the yeast phase directly growing in the original clinical specimens.

Comparison of efficacy of topical and oral fluconazole treatment in experimental Aspergillus keratitis.

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic role of topical and oral fluconazole treatment using a rabbit model of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.

Methods: Aspergillus fumigatus spores were injected into the corneal stroma of the right eye of 20 rabbits. Forty-eight hours later the rabbits were randomly divided into three groups.

Serum LDH level as a clue to the diagnosis of histoplasmosis.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level could be used as an adjunct clinical marker to differentiate between histoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). In a retrospective, case-controlled study, 30 patients with a diagnosis of histoplasmosis (all but 1 with disseminated disease) were compared with 120 patients with PCP (33 patients with definitive PCP, 87 with presumed PCP). Groups were matched for CD4+ lymphocyte counts, sex, and year of diagnosis.