Abstract
In a prospective study the efficacy of fiberoptic bronchoscopy was evaluated in the diagnosis of infections with opportunistic pathogens, Kaposi's sarcoma and nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis in 171 episodes of pneumonitis in 151 HIV-infected patients. Samples were collected by suction through the inner aspiration channel of the bronchoscope (n = 164), telescoping plugged catheter (n = 117) and transbronchial lung biopsy (n = 82). A high incidence of infections with pyogenic bacteria (12%), Legionella spp. (5 %) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were diagnosed (9%). Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated a high diagnostic rate in bacterial pneumonia (significance level greater than 10(5) cfu/ml) and a low degree (10%) of contamination (less than 1% squamous epithelial cells). Bronchoalveolar lavage was more effective than the telescoping plugged catheter in yielding a significant number of colonies in patients with bacterial pneumonia previously treated with antibiotics. Nondiagnosed pneumonitis was more frequent in intravenous drug abusers than in homosexual men (p less than 0.001).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
