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Fite stain positivity in Rhodococcus equi : Yet another acid‐fast organism in respiratory cytology—a case report
Author(s) -
Echeverri Carolina,
Matherne Jason,
Jorgensen James H.,
Fowler Larry J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
diagnostic cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.417
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1097-0339
pISSN - 8755-1039
DOI - 10.1002/dc.1052
Subject(s) - rhodococcus equi , sputum , stain , acid fast , grocott's methenamine silver stain , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , pneumonia , pathology , cytology , periodic acid–schiff stain , staining , respiratory system , biology , tuberculosis , anatomy , biochemistry , virulence , gene
Abstract 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. Diagn. Cytopathol. 24:244–246, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.