1. Diagnosis of pneumococcal pericarditis using antigen testing and polymerase chain reaction.
- Author
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Inkster T, Khanna N, Diggle M, and Sonecki P
- Subjects
- Adult, Community-Acquired Infections complications, Community-Acquired Infections microbiology, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pericardial Effusion microbiology, Pericarditis microbiology, Pneumococcal Infections microbiology, Pneumonia, Pneumococcal complications, Pneumonia, Pneumococcal microbiology, Streptococcus pneumoniae classification, Streptococcus pneumoniae immunology, Young Adult, Antigens, Bacterial analysis, Pericarditis diagnosis, Pneumococcal Infections diagnosis, Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Streptococcus pneumoniae genetics, Streptococcus pneumoniae isolation & purification
- Abstract
Following the advent of antibiotics, pneumococcal pericarditis has become a rare clinical diagnosis. We discuss 2 cases of pneumococcal pericarditis that were preceded by community-acquired pneumonia. Cultures were negative in both patients and the diagnosis was made by antigen testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the pericardial fluid. PCR or antigen testing of pericardial fluid for pneumococci should be considered in patients with a typical history, particularly when culture-negative and with a history of prior antibiotics.
- Published
- 2010
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