title: Microscopically differentiating dermatophytes from sock fibers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatophytes are responsible for a number of superficial fungal infections that affect millions worldwide. During microscopic observation a potassium hydroxide (KOH) fungal smear, various filamentous materials such as common textile fibers from socks can obfuscate proper discernment of dermatophytes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To differentiate dermatophytes from 9 common sock fibers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine different textile fiber samples were microscopically analyzed by using a KOH direct smear test; their defining structural features were compared and contrasted with those of dermatophytes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although there are several similarities, sock fibers tend to have a non-septate, uniform structure which differentiates them from dermatophytes. Sock fibers are also significantly larger than dermatophytes and can be viewed better at lower magnifications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a lack of sock samples with 100% textile fiber composition. Also, fibers were examined in a clean setting, without the detritus that normally accompanies dermatophytes in a clinical setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While textile fibers may be present in KOH preparations, their general appearance typically differs from that of dermatophytes; an observer who is familiar with these distinctions will be able to differentiate between the two.
authors.affiliation: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Abraar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karan
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alikhan
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D003883:Arthrodermataceae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003020:Clothing; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000382:microbiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D006878:Hydroxides; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D009172:Mycology / Q000379:methods; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013784:Textiles / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D006878:Hydroxides; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D017680:Potassium Compounds; C029943:potassium hydroxide