VALUE OF THE PCP STAIN ADDING TO THE CHEST X-RAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINIT PNEUMONIA IN HIV SEROPOSITIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Since the PCP is mainly diagnosed based on the clinical history and symptoms, therefore, there is a need to develop the accurate diagnostic test. Indeed, the most accurate test for PCP is the finding of the organism in the lung biopsy or bronchoalveolar lavage but these two methods are invasive. In this study, we tried to assess the value of the sputum PCP stain in the diagnosis of the disease. The stain can be done together with the sputum AFB test. Since the PCP stain is not invasive and may be a new diagnostic test, therefore, we have performed this study. Of the total 20 HIV seropositive patients (13 males and 7 females) in this study, all showed the pattern of interstitial pnpuemonia without any sputum AFB positive specimen. The result of special stain (Giemsa) of their sputum for PCP in all cases were also negative. According to our study, the chest X ray combining with sputum postive for AFB can provide predictable rate of 100% while the sputum PCP stain provide predictable rate equal to 0%. So the addition of sputum PCP stain to the Chest X ray with sputum AFB SEPT. - DEC. 2002. Volume VIII Number III stain did not increase any predictice value to the diagnosis.