title: Multiplex PCR in diagnosis of M. tuberculosis and M. avium co-infection from lymph node in an AIDS patient.
abstract: A 35-year-old, HIV-seropositive male (CD4 count 41 cells/mm3) on highly active antiretroviral ( HAART) presented with fever and weight loss for 3 months and new skin lesions. He was earlier diagnosed of TB and was on anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). The retroperitoneal lymph node aspirate showed acid-fast bacilli and epithelioid cell granulomas; however, cultures remained sterile. A dual infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium was diagnosed with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR). Clarithromycin was added to ATT, and on follow-up at 1 and 3 months, the patient responded well. Molecular methods like MPCR should be exploited for routine diagnosis of high-risk patients.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Sharma
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Mewara
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Gupta
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Sharma
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Varma
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D060085:Coinfection; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; D009162:Mycobacterium avium / Q000235:genetics*; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents