Tzanck Smear as a Rapid Diagnostic Tool for Disseminated Cryptococcal Infection

Fridlington, Emily K.; Colome‐Grimmer, Maria; Kelly, Erica; Kelly, Brent

doi:10.1001/archderm.142.1.25

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Another case report described a 60-year-old renal transplant recipient with multiple facial papules diagnosed as cryptococcosis by direct smear. [18] This was later confirmed by histology and tissue culture.…”

Section: Deep Fungal Infectionsmentioning

confidence: 76%

Reintroducing the Tzanck Smear

Kelly

Shimoni

2009

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

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The Tzanck smear is a rapid and simple technique that can be performed in the clinic or doctor's office with minimal patient discomfort or cost. It is known to most dermatologists as a rapid test for diagnosing herpes virus infections. Its use, however, can be more widely applied, including in the diagnosis of pustular diseases of the newborn, cutaneous infections, vesiculobullous diseases, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Material is gently scraped from the base of a vesicle, blister, or pustule or directly from the lesion or tumor. Typically, the material is allowed to air dry after which it can then be stained with a variety of stains, including Giemsa, toluidine blue, and methylene blue. The Tzanck smear should not be used to replace more standard diagnostic techniques, but rather as an adjunct to the physical examination.

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Section: Deep Fungal Infectionsmentioning

confidence: 76%

Reintroducing the Tzanck Smear

Kelly

Shimoni

2009

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

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“…Liaw et al report direct determination of cryptococcal antigen through latex agglutination system in transthoracic needle lung aspirate with a positive predictive value of 89% and a negative predictive value of 100% [ 13 ]. Fridlington et al have also reported using Tzanck smear on skin biopsy which revealed narrow-based budding encapsulated yeasts, suggesting cryptococcosis, and was confirmed by fungal culture [ 14 ]. These may have additive value in the absence of tissue-PCR and fungal culture.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Abdominal Lymphonodular Cryptococcosis in an Immunocompetent Child

Zaidi

Qureshi

Shakoor

et al. 2015

Case Reports in Pediatrics

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We describe our experience with an apparently immunocompetent child presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin without focal signs. Investigations revealed lymphadenopathy at lung hila, mesentery, and porta hepatis. The child had received at least two months of empiric antituberculous therapy (ATT) before she came to us. A CT-guided biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation. PAS stain showed yeasts which stained blue with Alcian blue, suggesting C. neoformans.

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“…The Tzanck smear is a rapid, minimally invasive test with vast diagnostic application. Indeed, the Tzanck smear may aid in the diagnosis of various skin conditions 2–4,6 . However, the precision of the test depends on the experience and expertise of the clinician 3 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Indeed, the Tzanck smear may aid in the diagnosis of various skin conditions. [2][3][4]6 However, the precision of the test depends on the experience and expertise of the clinician. 3 When utilized properly, the information obtained by the Tzanck smear may help the physician establish the correct diagnosis from a broad differential.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%