The use of special stains at twodermatopathology laboratories in EastAfrica

Abstract

Background:Histopathology is often essential to establish anaccurate diagnosis. Pathology laboratories are scarce in mostSub-Saharan Africa where dermatopathology is a developing field.In resource-poor countries, most specimens are analyzed onlyafter hematoxylin and eosin staining. The availability of specialstains is very limited and restricted to only few centers. The aim ofthis study is to analyze the extent of dermatopathological caseswhich can be adequately diagnosed after hematoxylin and eosinalone. Secondly, to investigate which cases required furtherspecial stains.Methods:All skin specimens submitted to two UniversityHospitals (Tanzania and Kenya) were included in this study. Allspecimens were first analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin and adiagnosis established when possible. All cases in which anaccurate diagnosis after hematoxylin and eosin only was notpossible, were registered and evaluated after further special stains.Results:A total of 386 specimens were examined. A properhistopathologic diagnosis with hematoxylin and eosin alone waspossible in 344 (89.1%) samples. In 45 (11.6%) cases, mostly skininfections, further special stains were necessary.Conclusion:A proper histopathologic diagnosis was possible afterhematoxylin and eosin alone in almost 90% of the specimenssubmitted to the two laboratories in Sub-Saharan Africa