SENSITIVITY OF CALCOFLUOR WHITE STAIN IN COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL MICROSCOPY AND CULTURE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF DERMATOPHYTOSIS IN CLINICALLY SUSPECTED CASES

Objective: The dermatophytes are a distinct group of fungi which are keratinophilic and capable of invading keratinized tissues of skin and its appendages like hair and nail, producing a variety of cutaneous infections. The genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton are the principle etiologic agents. The frequency of recovery of these species differs by geographic location. This study was conducted to know the causative fungal species of dermatophytosis in clinically suspected cases and to compare the efficacy of calcofluor white stain in comparison with conventional microscopy and culture in isolating and identifying dermatophytes. Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 100 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis attending tertiary care hospital from January 2022-December 2022. All the samples were screened by direct microscopic examination using 10% KOH mount, those negative for KOH mount were further screened by calcofluor white stain. Simultaneously all the samples were inoculated onto sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with actidione and Dermatophyte test medium. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee prior to the start of the study. Results: Out of 100 samples collected 66 samples (66%) were positive by KOH mount and additionally, 18 samples (18%) were positive by Calcofluor white stain for fungal elements, contributing to total 84 samples (84%) positive by microscopy. Out of 100 samples inoculated 74 samples (74%) were culture positive for dermatophytes. Conclusion: Calcofluor white stain is found to be more sensitive in detection of Dermatophytes in comparison with KOH mount and culture.