Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is an aerobic Gram-positive and acid-fast coccobacillus that may cause cavitary pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts such as HIV-infected patients. Numerous Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS)-positive organisms were initially noted on the direct smear; a minor number of acid-fast organisms were seen in the Thin-Prep® slide. Since the abundant mucous material with the attached organisms seen in conventional smears may be lost in liquid-based preparations, more sensitive stains such as Fite, as well as a more diligent search for organisms, is needed. This case illustrates the importance of careful selection and evaluation of special stains in sputum specimens.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 244-246 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Diagnostic cytopathology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 11 2001 |
Keywords
- Fite stain
- Rhodococcus equi
- Sputum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Histology