Direct examination vs culture of biopsy specimens for the diagnosis of keratomycosis.

In two patients with fungal keratitis, direct examination of corneal biopsy specimens showed positive fungal elements, but cultures of biopsy specimens failed to disclose fungal growth. We compared the value of direct examination and culture of biopsy specimens in the diagnosis of keratomycosis in rabbits with experimental fungal keratitis caused by Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans. Cultures disclosed seven specimens (70%) positive for Candida and eight (80%) for Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis, whereas direct examination showed positive fungal elements of Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida in all specimens.