PMID: 2490640Jan 1, 1989Paper

Antibody-coated bacteria in the sputum from patients with pneumococcal pneumonia

Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica
C Sala-MateusA Agustí

Abstract

In the present study an immunofluorescence technique detecting antibody-coated bacteria was evaluated. It was applied to the sputum of seven patients with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia to assess its diagnostic usefulness. We conclude that it is a valid, quick and easy technique which permits to differentiate between bacteria contaminating the sputum from those involved in the infection. This gives, therefore, a new value to the study of sputum. In our series the duration of the disease had no influence on the results, and the three antigammaglobulins used (anti-IgG, anti-IgA and anti-IgM) yielded the same results in each sample. Thus, we feel that the local pulmonary immune response was secondary in type.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.

Bacterial Pneumonia (ASM)

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.