Abstract
BACKGROUND: The ability to identify fungal hyphae in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been inconsistent. A new fluorescein-labeled staining method targets chitin found in fungal cell walls. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that this method would be able to more consistently detect fungi within the mucin of CRS patients. METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive CRS surgical patients were evaluated. After ensuring sensitivity and specificity of this new method, all specimens were stained with either fluorescein-labeled chitinase or Grocott methanamine silver stain for comparison. RESULTS: All 54 specimens contained eosinophilic mucin on hematoxylin and eosin staining. One or more fungal hyphae could be visualized within the mucin of 54 (100%) of 54 specimens stained using the fluorescein-labeled chitinase. Only 41 (76%) of 54 of the specimens stained with the Grocott methanamine silver stain technique demonstrated fungi. CONCLUSION: The fluorescein-labeled chitinasestaining technique has greater sensitivity in detecting fungal organisms within eosinophilic mucin. Fungal organisms are present in the mucin of CRS patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 377-383 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
Volume | 127 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2002 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology