Fite stain positivity in Rhodococcus equi: yet another acid-fast organism in respiratory cytology--a case report.
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.
Echeverri
C
C
Cytopathology Division, Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio 78284-7750 Texas.
Matherne
J
J
Jorgensen
J H
JH
Fowler
L J
LJ
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D000193:Actinomycetales Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008287:Malacoplakia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016929:Rhodococcus equi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*