Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: detection of parasites by immunofluorescence based on a monoclonal antibody.
A monoclonal antibody-based immunofluorescence test for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii was evaluated in comparison with the conventional direct staining by Grocott's silver methenamine technique. A total of 254 respiratory samples from HIV positive and other immunocompromised patients were examined. Cysts were detected in 30 (12%) of samples using the monoclonal test, but only 15 (6%) positives were found using the Grocott method. There is need for a speedy and efficient test for detection of these organisms, and the monoclonal test was found to be more reliable, quicker and more sensitive than the Grocott technique.
Magee
J G
JG
Public Health Laboratory, Institute of Pathology, General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, UK.
McDade
K J
KJ
Cunningham
J
J
Harrison
V
V
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000382:microbiology; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D011010:Pneumocystis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000382:microbiology*
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal