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Rapid microscopy technique for detection ofPneumocystis carinii in fresh clinical specimens

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Abstract

A direct method for detection ofPneumocystis carinii was evaluated in 14 patients with impaired immune function (3 seropositive for HIV, 8 with AIDS and 3 with heart transplants) and signs and symptoms suggestive ofPneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Direct examination by phase-contrast and interference-contrast microscopy of fresh clinical specimens obtained by sputum induction, bronchoalveolar lavage or transbronchial lung biopsy was found to be a simple and rapid method for detection ofPneumocystis carinii, the sensitivity of the method being comparable to that of the classical toluidine blue O and Diff-Quik staining methods. These findings suggest that this direct microscopy technique could be considered for routine clinical application in patients with suspectedPneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Pavia, IRCCS San Matteo, 27100, Pavia, Italy

    G. Chichino, A. Bruno, C. Cevini, S. Gatti & M. Scaglia

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  1. G. Chichino
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  2. A. Bruno
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  3. C. Cevini
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  4. S. Gatti
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  5. M. Scaglia
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Chichino, G., Bruno, A., Cevini, C. et al. Rapid microscopy technique for detection ofPneumocystis carinii in fresh clinical specimens. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 9, 601–605 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01967215

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01967215

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