Necroscopic findings of variably acid-fast bacteria in a fatal case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Acid-fast stained necroscopic sections from a fatal case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) occurring in a 48-year-old homosexual man, were studied for the presence of bacteria. Variably acid-fast coccoid forms suggestive of cell wall deficient bacteria, were observed within sections of the heart, liver, small intestines, adrenal glands, testes, and throughout the connective tissue. This study, as well as previously reported similar studies of AIDS and KS, and other forms of cancer, again suggests that variably acid-fast bacteria may be primary pathogenic agents in these diseases.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology