Fluorescence microscopy of mycobacteria in pleural effusions.

The diagnostic advantage of fluorescence microscopy (FM) of Papanicolaou-stained cytological specimens obtained by bronchoscopy has been described previously. This study was designed to evaluate the method's diagnostic benefit in cytological preparations of pleural effusions in cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. In contrast to bronchial material there is no advantage in cytological evaluation of pleural effusions by FM.

Aspergillus in the Papanicolaou stain: morphology, fluorescence and diagnostic feasibility.

Aspergillus species exhibit a distinct and clear fluorescence in Papanicolaou-stained cytological samples. The Papanicolaou (PAP) stain enhances the autofluorescence of cultured aspergilli and allows better cytological recognition of the fungus by fluorescence microscopy when it is not easily discerned from its surroundings by light microscopy. Morphological properties can be better distinguished and facilitate the differentiation of aspergillus organisms from other filamentous fungi.

Cytomorphologic findings in fine needle aspiration specimens of eosinophilic renal cell carcinoma.

The cytologic morphology of an eosinophilic renal cell carcinoma verified by histology is demonstrated. We describe the morphologic criteria for the differential diagnosis of the types of renal cell carcinoma in fine needle aspiration cytology and discuss the role of this procedure in the diagnosis of the entity.

Morphological study of bacteria of the respiratory system using fluorescence microscopy of Papanicolaou-stained smears with special regard to the identification of Mycobacteria sp.

In Papanicolaou-stained smears certain structures such as nucleoli, Pneumocystis carinii, Charcot-Leyden crystals, bacteria and fungi show a brilliant fluorescence. The morphological characteristics of microorganisms which can be detected by this system, especially mycobacteria, are described. This screening method offers the possibility of providing the clinician with a provisional diagnosis within hours.

The cytologic diagnosis of Mycobacterium kansasi tuberculosis by fluorescence microscopy of Papanicolaou-stained specimens.

The sensitivities of (i) Papanicolaou fluorescence, (ii) auramine rhodamine fluorescence, and (iii) Ziehl-Neelsen staining were compared for their ability to detect the atypical mycobacterium Myco. kansasi in cytological samples. Ninety-two cases were investigated, and the sensitivities of the three methods of detection were found to be 36.