Comparison of Methods for Identification ofPneumocystis cariniiin Pulmonary Aspirates

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Abstract
Specimens obtained by percutaneous pulmonary needle aspiration from patients suspected of having Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis were examined by five staining methods for the presence of Pneumocystis carinii. With polychrome methylene blue (Hema-Tek), Wright, and Giemsa stains, Pneumocystis carinii could unequivocally be identified in three developmental stages: “cyst,” “sporozoite,” and “trophozoite.” Although the contrast of organism against host tissue cells was not outstanding, the simplicity, consistency, and rapidity of the methods were the major advantages. Toluidine blue O stain and methenamine silver nitrate stains provided easy recognition of the organisms, with marked contrast between the organisms and host cells. However, the intracystic structures and trophozoites could not be identified with these stains. It is suggested that the clinical specimen be stained first with the more rapid and simple stains, and if the organism is not found, the methenamine silver stain should be used to arrive at a final conclusion.

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