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In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Infectious Diseases

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Technology in Practical Dermatology

Abstract

In vivo reflectance confocal microscope (RCM) is a high-resolution noninvasive imaging technique that was initially focused on the diagnosis of skin cancers. A rising number of other indications have been later described among which the diagnosis and management of infectious dermatological disorders. RCM is particularly suitable for the identification of Sarcoptes scabies, Demodex folliculorum, Ixodes, Dermatophytes, and Candida species in the clinical practice and for the follow-up after treatment. RCM cannot observe virus directly. However, the cytopathic effect associated with some virus can be recognized even in a pre-vesicular stage. In addition, thanks to its noninvasiveness, RCM allows pathophysiological studies.

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Provvidenziale, L., Perrot, J.L., Cinotti, E. (2020). In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Infectious Diseases. In: Fimiani, M., Rubegni, P., Cinotti, E. (eds) Technology in Practical Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45351-0_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45351-0_18

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