Which technique is utilized for detecting fungal infections in tissue samples?

The Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS) stain is a specialized histological technique that is particularly effective for identifying fungal organisms in tissue samples. This staining method utilizes silver to bind selectively to polysaccharides found in the cell walls of fungi, which allows the fungal elements to appear black against a green or yellow background. As a result, fungi are clearly distinguished from surrounding tissue structures, making this technique invaluable in the diagnosis of fungal infections.

In contrast, the mucicarmine stain is primarily used for demonstrating certain mucins, particularly in the identification of Cryptococcus neoformans, but it is more specific to this organism rather than a broader detection of fungal infections. The hematoxylin and eosin stain is the most commonly used stain in histopathology; however, it lacks the specificity required for fungal identification, as it does not distinctly highlight fungal structures. The trichrome stain is mainly employed for identifying parasites and certain tissue structures, but it also does not provide the specificity needed to reveal fungal elements efficiently. Thus, the GMS stain stands out as the optimal choice for detecting fungal infections in tissue samples.