Fungal cultures from skin strippings

Growth on Sabouraud's agar of dermatophytes obtained by conventional scraping and by stripping with vinyl tape

“…Six species of dermatophytes were represented in the culture experiments.This significant difference between the number of positive cultures is due to the strip technique being in some cases less suited for collecting scales, as there are no signs that the vinyl tape inhibits fungal growth.The strip technique is easy and practical, but as it yields less than the conventional technique, it is not suitable as a routine procedure.The conventional technique of diagnosing fungous infections of the skin is very time-consuming.In 1961, Keddie, Orr & Liebes described a quick and easy technique which might possibly be used as a routine method for the laboratory diagnosis of ringworm infections. These authors stripped off the stratum corneum by means of vinyl tape, which they then placed on the surface of Sabouraud's agar.In a preliminary study (Knudsen, 1971) the present au±or demonstrated that dermatophytes may grow from stratum corneum strippings.The purpose of the current study was to compare the results of conventional culture and culture from strippings of the stratum corneum.…”

“…In a preliminary study (Knudsen, 1971) the present au±or demonstrated that dermatophytes may grow from stratum corneum strippings.…”

“…Since about 75",', of tbe samples studied by the laboratory are from dermatological practitioners, there was reason to investigate whether it was possible to recommend a technique which would give a higher yield in dermatological practice. According to our preliminary experience (Knudsen, 1971) of collection and culture by means of stratum corneum strippings, this method is well adapted to the conditions of practice.…”

Skin sampling for Candida with adhesive tape

“…Porto (1953) described it in the diagnosis of Tinea versicolor^ and Thomas (i960) used the method to assess the carriage of Staphylococcus quantitatively on the skin. More recently, Knudsen (1971) also fotmd this technique useful in the collection and culture of both dermatophytes and yeasts.…”