Pathological Diagnosis of Dermatologic Infections: a Brief Survey of Dermatopathology for the Practicing Microbiologist

Abstract Skin biopsy represents a practical and rapid diagnostic tool for the care of patients with skin infection. The dermatopathologists who evaluate skin biopsy specimens work closely with clinicians and other laboratory specialists in the pursuit of optimal patient care. In particular, close collaboration with colleagues in microbiology allows improved diagnostic accuracy and, ultimately, the management of cutaneous infections. In this spirit, this review article aims to survey several illustrative cases in dermatopathology wherein collaboration with the microbiology laboratory confirmed, supported, or otherwise informed the diagnoses and thereby guided therapy.