Optical brighteners in fungal diagnostics

Abstract

Fluorescent staining using optical brighteners (diaminostilbenes) affords the semispecific and rapid detection of fungal elements in clinical specimens. After yielding a first hint of mycosis, the identification of the involved fungal genus is often desirable in cases when culture proves unsuccessful. In such cases, immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridisation may further the diagnosis with respect to establish an appropriate therapy.