[Quantitative determination of yeast in sputum--a direct microscopy method].

The authors describes a fluorescence microscopic method using fluorochrome Blankophor (Bayer) which binds to chitin of the cell walls of yeasts and filamentous fungi. The authors processed, using this method, 50 specimens of sputum and compared the results with those of cultivation examinations. In five instances, where cultivation was negative by the microscopic method large numbers of fungi were detected. The method is suitable for quantitative assessment of yeasts and other fungi in sputum and other clinical specimens (urine, irrigation of cavities etc.). The author discusses the interpretation of microscopic findings.