1. OBJECTIVE
In this experiment, you will be able to visualize vegetative fungal structures in their entirety. Additionally, the experiment develops the ability of macroscopic and microscopic identification of probable etiological agents of mycoses.


At the end of this experiment, you should be able to:

identify a yeast-like fungus;

identify vegetative fungal structures;

learn to report the visualized result.

2. Where to use these concepts?
Knowing how to identify the different fungal structures is a prerequisite for the development of experimental skills and abilities that allow the diagnosis of mycoses. In addition, the correct identification of the etiological agent allows a multidisciplinary team to choose a more effective treatment for the individual affected by the mycosis.


3. The experiment
This experiment will use the following inputs: Sabouraud agar or potato agar, 20-40% KOH (20-40% potash) or lactophenol. In addition to instruments that will serve to assist in the execution of the practice, such as a disposable handle for fungi, slides in 70% alcohol, coverslips in 70% alcohol, tweezers, Petri dish 90x15, gauze and scalpel.


4. Security
In this practice, gloves, mask and lab coat, also called dust guard, will be used. Handling this type of microorganism offers a low risk of contamination for the student. Even so, these three protective equipment are essential for the laboratory environment, in view of the recommendations of Good Laboratory Practices. The glove will prevent contamination with agents harmful to the skin and microorganisms, the mask protects against possible contaminated aerosols and the lab coat protects the torso, upper limbs and part of the lower limbs from any splashes that may occur.


5. Scenario
The experiment environment presents the inputs and instruments inside the laminar flow hood and the microscope on top of the bench. You must select and use them in order to guarantee the correct execution of the experiments.