These conditions, which might facilitate aerosolization of
arthrospores, have been described in studies of coccidioidomycosis epidemics in California (7).
The skin scrapings were placed on clean glass slide and 10% KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) added, and examined for hyphae and
arthrospores. The nail specimens were examined after keeping for 24 hours.
The direct examination of skin specimens in 10% KOH under light microscope revealed thin, hyaline, slender, branched hyphae and
arthrospores morphologically resembling to dermatophytes.
Coccidioidomycosis is caused by inhalation of
arthrospores of the dimorphic fungus Coccidioides immitis.
Measurements of the width of the mycelium and
arthrospores (50 sporres) were observed.
Natural infection is acquired by the deposition of viable
arthrospores or hyphae on the surface of the susceptible individual.
Direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings/ hair pluckings of 18 infected dogs using KOH clarification revealed presence of chain of
arthrospores in hair shaft in one sample while remaining 17 samples were found negative (Fig.
The prepared slide was examined under the microscope for the presence of hyphae and
arthrospores.
