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Background: Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection that targets the skin and its appendages, such as the nails and hair. It affects all age groups and is estimated to affect approximately 20–25% of the population across the world. There are insufficient data on the clinic-mycological pattern of dermatophytosis in Odisha, a coastal state in eastern India. The study aims to explore the clinico-mycological pattern of prevailing superficial cutaneous fungal infections and to identify the specific species as per the site of skin involvement. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Dermatology in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary health care centre, Odisha, for a period of 2 years, from October 2020 to September 2022. Participants aged 18–65 years with active dermatophyte infections of the skin were included in the study. Clinical examination and mycological workup were performed, and the collected samples were divided into two parts, one for direct microscopy and the other for fungal culture. Results: According to our study, the most common isolate was Trichophyton mentagrophytes (21.7%), followed by T. rubrum (11.7%), and 5.3% of cultures showed T. schoenleinii isolates, whereas Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum constituted 2.7% and 0.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The present study focuses on the prevalence and clinical trends of different dermatophyte species associated with dermatophytosis in eastern India. Due to the favourable climate of Odisha, superficial mycoses are prevalent here, and according to our study, Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the predominate isolate in this region.

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Objective: The aim was to investigate the presence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in peri-implantitis lesions. Method and materials: A total of 141 individuals were included in this study, of which 40 had clinically healthy implants (group H); the remaining were associated with peri-implantitis (group P). Gingival crevicular fluid was collected using absorbent paper, followed by a dental plaque sample from the peri-implant sulcus/pocket using a titanium curette. The samples were transferred into an Eppendorf tube. Each specimen was divided into two parts. One part was examined under a light microscope at a 10 × and 40 × magnification to detect parasites. The other part was spread on a microscope slide, stained with Giemsa stain, and examined under a microscope at 100 × magnification. Pearson chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis of data, with a significance level of P < .05. Results: Although there was no presence of parasite around the healthy implants, two parasites were detected in periimplantitis lesions. Out of 101 lesions, 31 (30.7%) showed E gingivalis, and 34 (33.6%) presented with T tenax. There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of E gingivalis and demographic data including gender, education status, frequency of dental visits, and brushing frequency. Presence of T tenax in lesions was correlated with frequency of dental visits (P < .05). It was observed that E gingivalis and T tenax were mostly detected in the mandible (P = .004 and .014, respectively) in comparison with the maxilla. Conclusion: This study showed that peri-implantitis lesions were involved with E gingivalis and T tenax, in contrast to the healthy areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in a broad range of patients. Adequate and early diagnosis is a challenge and of importance for improved survival. New molecular-based diagnostic methods are trendsetting, yet with the drawback that conventional tests receive less attention, in the laboratory as well as in the clinical setting. We aimed to provide a useful recommendation for direct microscopy for effectively managing numerous specimens related to fungal infections, mainly covering opportunistic pathogens. A PubMed literature search covering direct fungal microscopy was performed with no restrictions on publication dates. Best practise recommendations targeting the role of direct microscopy in diagnosing fungal infections are given. This review highlights when to perform direct microscopy, displays the main fungal morphologies, discusses the pitfalls related to microscopy, and recommends how to best report the results to clinicians. In many samples, the performance of direct microscopy provides an important diagnostic benefit that is greater than culture alone. Fluorescent dyes improve sensitivity and allow a fast and rapid read. Reporting includes the presence or absence of yeast forms, septate or non-septate hyphae, pigmentation, cellular location, or any other specific structures being present. The visualization of fungal elements from a sterile body site is proof of an infection, independent of other test reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the recent years, the pathogenic mycoses and fungi have emerged as important infectious agents. The fungus infections can be mild and only superficial or cutaneous or may cause life-threatening systemic illnesses. They have an ever increasing global disease burden and regional estimates for specific fungal diseases are often unavailable or dispersed. This study was carried out to study the spectrum of fungal isolates from various clinical specimens in a tertiary care hospital. Material and methods: The study was conducted at department of Microbiology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot. Total 610 clinical specimens suspected of fungal infection were processed by KOH direct microscopy and culture. Results: Total positivity for fungal infection was 17.8% (109/610). On KOH direct microscopy, 92 were positive while on culture 86 were positive. On culture, various isolates obtained were Non albicans candida (35%),Candida albicans (28%), Cryptococcus spp. (2%), A.fumigatus (12%), A.favus(5%), Rhizopus spp.(7%), Mucor spp.(3%), Trichophyton spp.(8%). In this study, younger male population was found to be more susceptible to fungal infection. Conclusion: This study brings to light the spectrum of common fungal isolates from a tertiary care hospital. Early detection of fungus by microscopic examination can be used as an important screening test for presumptive diagnosis of fungal infection and it would help the clinician in stoppage of antibiotic therapy and in initiating empirical antifungal therapy earlier, which will help better clinical outcome in such category of patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Dr Lipner has served as a consultant for Ortho-Dermatologics, Eli Lilly, Moberg Pharmaceuticals, and Belle Torus Corporation. Drs Gold and Benedict have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Objective:In this study, our objective was to compare direct microscopic examination and direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) method for Giardia diagnosis in stool samples and to evaluate the possible risk factors related to Giardia infections.Methods:Stool samples of 185 patients with diarrhoea collected between June 2019 and July 2019 in Erzurum Yakutiye Research Hospital were included in the study. Microscopic examination of the samples was performed with native-lugol, and they were subsequently scanned by the indirect fluorescent assay microscope using the DFA method at 100-200X magnification. In addition, all patients filled a questionnaire prepared to determine the possible risk factors related to Giardia infection.Results:The age of the 185 participating patients who belonged to different groups was between 0 and 94 years. Giardia spp. cysts were detected in five stool samples (2.7%) using direct microscopic examination. Nine samples (4.9%) were DFA-positive. The incidence of giardiasis was noted to be 7.5% in children, 3.8% in adults, 7.3% in people living in rural areas, 2.9% in people living in urban areas, 10% in people having pets and 4.2% in people who do not have pets.Conclusion:By taking the DFA method as a reference, the sensitivity and specificity of the microscopic examination were found to be 44.4% and 99.4%, respectively. The Giardia positivity rate was higher in children, those living in rural areas, those having pets and those using well water as drinking water.

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) of the skin that is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is considered to be an important public health problem in many regions. The disease is at its most prevalent in low-resource countries where there are overcrowded living conditions coupled with poor hygiene. In some regions, mass drug administration using ivermectin is a key population-based approach to the control of scabies. Before starting a patient on specific treatment, confirming the diagnosis by accurate and rapid identification of the organism is critical. Different laboratory-based techniques for scabies have been developed in the last few decades. These include direct microscopy and histopathology. More recently, serological testing, dermoscopy and different molecular techniques have been developed as diagnostic methods for scabies. To date, none of these, apart from microscopy and dermoscopy, has been translated into routine clinical laboratory practice. A simple point-of-care or laboratory test would provide a rapid and confirmed diagnosis and early institution of effective treatment. In this review we present an update on the laboratory techniques currently in use for the identification of scabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection that targets the skin and its appendages, such as the nails and hair. It affects all age groups and is estimated to affect approximately 20-25% of the population across the world. There are insufficient data on the clinic-mycological pattern of dermatophytosis in Odisha, a coastal state in eastern India. The study aims to explore the clinico-mycological pattern of prevailing superficial cutaneous fungal infections and to identify the specific species as per the site of skin involvement., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Dermatology in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary health care centre, Odisha, for a period of 2 years, from October 2020 to September 2022. Participants aged 18-65 years with active dermatophyte infections of the skin were included in the study. Clinical examination and mycological workup were performed, and the collected samples were divided into two parts, one for direct microscopy and the other for fungal culture., Results: According to our study, the most common isolate was Trichophyton mentagrophytes (21.7%), followed by T. rubrum (11.7%), and 5.3% of cultures showed T. schoenleinii isolates, whereas Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum constituted 2.7% and 0.7%, respectively., Conclusion: The present study focuses on the prevalence and clinical trends of different dermatophyte species associated with dermatophytosis in eastern India. Due to the favourable climate of Odisha, superficial mycoses are prevalent here, and according to our study, Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the predominate isolate in this region., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Dermatology.)

Transmittable skin infections in sport are a concern, especially for wrestlers. Current methods for limiting tinea gladiatorum transmission in United States high school wrestling include a required skin inspection protocol. Tinea prevalence before and after the skin inspection protocol was instituted is not widely known. We prospectively determined tinea prevalence among a Minnesota high school wrestler cohort over their 12-week season and compared this to point-in-time incidences reported in wrestlers not subject to a skin inspection protocol. Wrestlers having a suspicious rash at the skin inspection (raised, red, > 5mm diameter, and with dry flaky scale) were recruited. Among suspicious rashes, tinea gladiatorum infection was determined using direct microscopy with chlorazol black staining. Thirty-eight of 510 wrestlers (7%) developed a rash suspicious for tinea. Thirty-four wrestlers that had rash(s) were enrolled and their rash was tested. Twenty-two of 510 wrestlers developed tinea gladiatorum throughout the season. Tinea gladiatorum prevalence was 4.3% (95% CI 2.5-6.1%). Four wrestlers with rash were not available for testing (unable to obtain timely consent (two) or obtain adequate sample(two)). Prevalence was less than suggested by the incidences previously reported in wrestling populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinea unguium is a common nail disease caused by dermatophytes. Although direct potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy and fungal culture are considered the gold standard for diagnosing this disease, their accuracy is insufficient. A lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) kit, using a monoclonal antibody against Trichophyton rubrum, was developed and its sensitivity was recently improved 50% in vitro relative to its earlier version. The present study aimed to validate the clinical utility of this improved LFIA kit for diagnosing tinea unguium in comparison with direct KOH microscopy. A similar trial was simultaneously performed using scale samples from patients with tinea pedis to determine the assay's diagnostic potential. Nail samples, approximately 2 mg in weight, were collected from 112 non‐treated tinea unguium patients and 56 non‐tinea unguium patients. Samples from 25 tinea pedis patients and 20 non‐tinea pedis patients were also collected. The sensitivity and specificity of the LFIA kit for tinea unguium was 84.8% (95/112) (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.8–90.9) and 83.9% (47/56) (95% CI, 71.7–92.4), respectively. The inconsistency rate was 15.5% (26/168) (95% CI, 10.4–21.9). The sensitivity and specificity of the LFIA kit for tinea pedis was 84.0% (21/25) and 100.0% (20/20), respectively. These results suggest that for diagnosing tinea unguium, the LFIA kit is a useful supplement to, but not a replacement for, direct KOH microscopy. For definitive diagnosis of suspected cases, appropriate sampling, repeated examinations, and a combination of diagnostic techniques are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Superficial fungal infections are skin diseases that affect people worldwide. To confirm the diagnosis of these diseases, mycological investigation by direct microscopic examination and culture are required. Chlorazol black E (CBE) is an acid-based dye of the trisazo group of dyes that has a high affinity for chitin. Data specific to the efficacy of CBE for detection of fungi by direct microscopy is limited. Objective: To investigate the accuracy of interpretation of fungi by direct microscopy using CBE versus potassium hydroxide (KOH). Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study, conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in 2018. Slide interpretations by 33 microscopists were reviewed. The interpretation scores of all participants in each specimen were recorded and compared between CBE and KOH. Results: Thirty-three participants were included. The mean interpretation score of all participants was 17.2±4.9. The mean interpretation scores of overall specimens using CBE was significantly more than using KOH (p<0.001). For Candida spp. and dermatophytes, the accuracy of interpretation using CBE was statistically higher than KOH (p=0.020, p<0.001, respectively). Relative to negative findings, CBE yielded significantly more false-positive results than KOH (p=0.003). Conclusion: CBE for direct microscopic examination of fungi specimens is helpful for increasing the accuracy of interpretation. However, falsepositive results are more prevalent when using CBE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitosis is one of the commonly perceived serious problems often observed in children leading to high mortality. The objective of the study was to identify the intestinal parasites and study their prevalence in the two mostly disadvantaged communities (Musahar and Chepang) of Nepal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Musahar and Chepang communities of Nepal from April to October 2019. A total of 205 random stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw-capped plastic containers and mixed with 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors. The laboratory examination of the stool samples was done by direct microscopy and further confirmed by concentration methods (formalin ether sedimentation technique and flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution), and modified acid-fast staining. Detection of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis was done by cellophane tape method. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 36.6%, with a similar prevalence in the Chepangs (39.8%) and in the Musahars (33.3%) (P > 0.05). The most predominant helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (15.6%), while the most prevalent protozoan was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%). The study also assessed a significant association between the prevalence of parasites with socio-demographic factors, types of drinking water consumption and sanitation habits of the people (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest a need for formulating effective preventive and control strategies against intestinal parasitic infections along with the continuity of mass deworming program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of direct wet mount microscopy compared to formalin ether concentration (FEC) technique in detecting intestinal helminths in pregnant women. Results The total prevalence of intestinal helminths was 18.8% (70/372) by direct wet mount microscopy and 24.7% (92/372) by FEC technique (P 0.81) but they fairly agreed in detecting ova of Hymenolepis nana (Kappa = 0.39). Intestinal helminths were underdiagnosed and the total diagnostic performance of direct wet mount microscopy was significantly poor in detecting intestinal helminths as compared to FEC technique. Routine use of FEC method is recommended for the diagnosis of intestinal helminths in pregnant women.

Nannizzia gypsea is a geophilic dermatophyte, previously known as Microsporum gypseum before renaming under the new taxonomy. This organism is distributed all over the world and is considered to be involved in keratin degradation in the soil. Generally, human infection involves direct contact with fertile soil. Tinea caused by geophilic dermatophytes is much rarer than that caused by anthropophilic dermatophytes. According to the latest survey in Japan, dermatophytosis due to N. gypsea accounted for only 0.4% of cases. Clinical presentations vary and may mimic other inflammatory dermatitis, leading to incorrect diagnosis and delayed treatment. According to that past report, distal parts of the upper and lower extremities were more commonly affected, followed by the trunk, face and scalp, and rarely the nail plate. A 38-year-old woman presented with an approximately 3-week history of an itchy, solitary erythematous lesion on the left medial angle of the eyelid. Direct microscopic examination of scales revealed fungal elements, and the causative agents was identified as N. gypsea by morphological and molecular biological diagnoses. The eruption improved with systemic itraconazole treatment at 100 mg/day for 8 weeks. No recurrence has been seen for a year. However, she had no history of contact with any infectious source. Herein, we report a case of tinea faciei due to N. gypsea with an uncommon site and route of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (Capillaria specie) or the risk of capillariasis in domestic pigeons (Columbia Livia) in the Bahawalpur area of Pakistan was investigated in May 2023. Fecal samples of 100 pigeons (30 males and 70 females) belonging to 30 different breeds were collected from four different houses of the Dilawar colony area of Bahawalpur, and proceeded qualitatively through direct microscopy and floatation method. In this study, 18 (11 males and 7 females) out of the 100 samples (with a prevalence 18%) were found infected with Capillaria spp. of nematodes. The qualitative examination also revealed that the Capillaria spp. of nematodes was more prevalent in males (36.67%) than females (10%). This study will be helpful in raising awareness among pigeon owners for better control and treatment strategies for capillariasis and also to improve the health status of pigeons and provide them with a better hygienic or healthy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection caused by dermatophytes, nondermatophytes, and yeast, and is the most common nail disorder seen in clinical practice. It is an important problem because it may cause local pain, paresthesias, difficulties performing activities of daily life, and impair social interactions. In this continuing medical education series we review the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation of onychomycosis and demonstrate current and emerging diagnostic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A successful protocol was developed to aid in the reduction in dandruff‐causing fungi, namely Malassezia globasa and Malassezia furfur. Both the species were isolated from volunteers aged between 20 and 22 suffering from dandruff, cultured ex vivo, and tested against the presence of synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNP). Direct microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and biochemical assays specific to Malassezia species were conducted to identify dandruff‐causing fungal species. Microwave‐mediated synthesis of ZnNP was performed and characterised by UV–vis, X‐ray diffraction, and SEM. The nanoparticles were tested against both Malassezia species and proved highly effective in inhibiting these fungi, although M. furfur was more susceptible than M. globosa. An optimum amount of 100 ppm was found to be sufficient to work as an antifungal agent. Synergistic effects of ZnNP with commercial shampoos were tested, and the result showed enhanced antifungal effects. To mimic the natural biofilm formed by these species on human skin, the formation of fungal biofilm was allowed on polystyrene coverslips. ZnNP was effective in eradication biofilm. Since zinc is an essential mineral for all living organism and is considered as biocompatible, the synthesised nanomaterials can be used in the formulation of antidandruff shampoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection in dermatology clinics. The commonly used diagnostic method, potassium hydroxide (KOH) direct microscopy, does not have a high‐positive detection rate. Therefore, a new diagnostic method is needed to confirm onychomycosis. The objective of this research was to use fluorescent brightener 85 (FB 85), a new fluorescent reagent for fungi detection, and to evaluate this new method based on the diagnostic positive rate, accuracy and efficiency in suspected onychomycosis compared with the KOH method. Subungual debris was collected from clinically suspected onychomycosis cases and divided into two parts. The parts were examined by FB 85 and 10% KOH solution, respectively. In total, 108 patients with suspected onychomycosis were recruited. The positive rates of FB 85 and KOH were 88.9% and 55.6%, respectively. The patients showed significant statistical differences (P < .001). Compared with the KOH method, the FB 85 fluorescent method was an accurate and efficient method with a higher positive rate. This method could increase the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of onychomycosis detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Giardiasis is one of the most common nonviral infections causing diarrheal illness worldwide. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we evaluated the RIDASCREEN ® Giardia kit for detection of Giardia intestinalis in stool samples and compared the results with direct microscopy. Materials and methods: A total of 360 fecal samples were collected. They were then processed by wet film, iodine preparation and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to determine the presence of Giardia trophozoites and cysts. Statistical analysis was performed by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Results and Conclusion: Of the 360 cases, 17.2% samples were positive for Giardia by direct microscopy and 23.6% were found to be positive by ELISA (sensitivity ~97%), but specificity was ~92% only. Because of less specificity, we need to perform ELISA in congruence with direct microscopy, etc. Further studies need to be performed on a larger sample size using other molecular tests in order to get more accurate estimations.

Background: Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa, is a one of the most common causes of non-viral (parasitic) diarrheal illness in humans. Laboratory diagnosis mainly consists of direct microscopic examination of stool specimen for trophozoites and cysts. However, due to intermittent fecal excretion of the parasite, the patient may be misdiagnosed, continue excreting the parasite and infecting others. Therefore, other methods of diagnosis should be looked for, which overcome the drawbacks of microscopy when used alone for diagnosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of coproantigen detection by ELISA test in comparison to direct microscopy in the diagnosis of G. lamblia in stool specimens from patients with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients and methods: stool samples were collected form 250 child included in the present study (150 symptomatic and 100 apparently healthy as a control group) aged between 1-10 years old, and subjected for direct microscopic examination and ELISA test for copro-antigen detection. Results: out of 250 stool samples, 53 specimens (21.2%) were positive for Giardia by direct microscopy, while 68 specimens (27.2%) were positive by ELISA test. Conclusion: ELISA test for copro-antigen detection in stool samples is a rapid and effective method with high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of giardiasis in stool specimens even when the parasitic count is low, thus reducing the chances of missing even in the asymptomatic cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), a dreadful disease known to mankind continues to be a problem in a developing country like India. The incidence of people getting infected with TB is on the rise due to compounding factors like coinfection with the human immunodefiency virus and multidrug-resistant strains. There is a definitive need for early diagnosis and treatment of TB to curb transmission of the infection. Direct smear microscopy, though cheap and rapid, lacks sensitivity. Isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in culture requires a long time, because of which there is a need for a rapid method which has good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of M. tuberculosis. The present study was undertaken to determine the test which diagnoses TB rapidly and to compare the sensitivity of smear microscopy, concentration method, rapid slide culture, and Lowenstein - Jensen (LJ) culture. Materials and Methods: Sputum samples of 200 patients were subjected to direct smear and concentration by modified Petroff′s method. The concentrated sputum was also taken for slide culture using human blood medium and inoculated on LJ media. Results: LJ culture was positive in 47 (23.5%) cases, of which three were nontubercular mycobacteria. Using LJ culture as the standard method, the sensitivity of direct smear, concentration method, and rapid slide culture method was 68, 83, and 89%, respectively, and specificity was 100% in all the three tests. Conclusion: Rapid slide culture showed good sensitivity which was comparable to and next in efficacy to LJ culture and this technique can be adopted in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) as it is a rapid, cheap, sensitive, and specific method.

Background: Tuberculosis is probably the most important infectious disease of human beings. Early diagnosis of tuberculosis and initiating prompt treatment has been the mainstay in interrupting the transmission of the infection to others in the community. Aim: The present study was aimed at evaluating and comparing the different tests which are available for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and at determining their feasibility as diagnostic tests in terms of their effectiveness and affordability. Materials and Methods: 100 sputum samples, 50 samples which were positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB) and 50 samples which were negative for AFB on Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining were included in the study. The sputum was decontaminated and concentrated by the modified Petroff’s method and the deposit which was obtained was inoculated onto plain Lowenstein –Jensen (LJ) slants and the rapid slide culture (RSC) medium. Results: Of the 100 sputum samples which were inoculated onto the RSC and LJ mediums, 64 samples showed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on RSC after a mean incubation period of 7 days and 63 samples showed a positive growth on LJ medium after a mean incubation period of 34 days. Conclusion: RSC is more sensitive as compared to the direct smear examination and as sensitive as the LJ medium for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, but RSC had an advantage of a shorter turn around a period of 7 days.

Somatic cell count (SCC) is important foodstuff, hygienic and health indicator of milk and animal mammary gland. The goal of this paper was to evaluate an ability of chosen methods to reach the SCC reliable results in various biological kinds (species) of milk. The various methods of SCC determination were compared in cow (CM), goat (GM), sheep (SM) and human (HM) milk: direct microscopy (DM); fluoro-opto-electronic (Fossomatic 90; Foss); fluorescent (DCC; De Laval). Used methods had cow milk calibration basically. The DM, Foss and DCC result relations about SCC were very close, mostly > 0.92 (P < 0.001) for CM, GM and SM. In CM the regression equations between methods were near ideal form y = 1x + 0. The mean differences SCC data sets between mentioned methods were small for CM, larger for SM and HM and the largest for GM. It is possible to convert all DCC results in SM, HM and GM to DM or Foss method. The conversion equations were stated from DCC: to DM in cow milk y = 1.1293x − 5.5029; to Foss in goat milk y = 3.603x − 3171.4; to Foss in sheep milk y = 1.3805x − 18.149; to Foss in human milk y = 2.6246x + 158.63. Assesment of conversion equations should be individual laboratory event. Results had relatively good correspondence among DM, Foss and DCC for SCC determination in CM, GM, SM and HM for milk quality control. DCC had lower results in small ruminants as compared to Foss calibrated on CM using DM. DCC in HM had lower results as Foss adjusted by CM at good correlation (0.84; P < 0.001).