Which of the following provides information about the nature and potential cause of a fungal infection the most quickly?

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Direct examination of fresh specimens (wet mounts, KOH preps, brighteners) is the quickest way to identify the nature and potential cause of a fungal infection. It allows the observation of fungal morphology and helps in determining the type of fungus present. With a direct examination, a preliminary diagnosis can be made within minutes to hours, whereas other methods like culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar or selective and differential media can take days to weeks. Testing for temperature dimorphism may help in identifying specific fungal species but does not provide information on the nature or potential cause of the infection.

Which of the Following Provides Information About the Nature and Potential