Counterimmunoelectrophoresis in the diagnosis of Hemophilus influenzae pleural effusion.
A child with a sterile pleural effusion resulting from an infection with Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hi b) is described. The diagnosis was established by use of counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE). The alarming increase in incidence of pneumonia due to Hi b is noted, as is the large number of associated pleural effusions. CIE provides a rapid, reliable, and sensitive means by which to establish the exact etiology of such bacterial infections so that optimal antibiotic therapy can be started promptly.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003378:Counterimmunoelectrophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*