fungemia: The value of direct microscopy in early diagnosis.

Two cases of fungemia caused by an arthroconidial yeast-like fungus, in non-hematologic immunocompromised patients are described. Both patients died before definite diagnosis of was made. The report highlights that pending confirmation of the isolate by phenotypic and/or molecular methods, the characteristic morphologic features observed in Gram-stained smears of blood culture positive bottles can lead to early preliminary diagnosis, thus significantly reducing time required for initiating appropriate antifungal therapy.