Viral pneumonias. Multifaceted approach to an elusive diagnosis.
Despite enhanced laboratory techniques such as viral culture, rapid antigen detection, and gene amplification, a confident diagnosis of viral pneumonia continues to be a challenge. The nonspecific nature of clinical characteristics and the extreme sensitivity of laboratory techniques make the diagnosis difficult, even when a viral agent is detected. Understanding the limitations of these technological advances and the use of histopathologic techniques can greatly enhance a skilled clinician's ability to make an accurate diagnosis.
Chien
J W
JW
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA. jasonc@u.washington.edu
Johnson
J L
JL
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D000956:Antigens, Viral