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  • Title: The value of sputum gram stain in the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia.
    Author: Aderaye G.
    Journal: Ethiop Med J; 1994 Jul; 32(3):167-71. PubMed ID: 7525279.
    Abstract:
    The utility of sputum Gram stain in identifying Gram positive diplococci and other bacteria was studied in 39 patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The results of the Gram stain of the sputum were compared to the Gram stain of the lung aspirate (LA). Of 28 patients whose LA smear showed Gram positive diplococci, 26 (95%) had the same organisms, either exclusively or predominantly, in their sputum. One patient had Gram negative rods both in the sputum and lung aspirate. Seventy-one per cent of patients with positive LA stain versus 50% with negative LA stain had taken antimicrobials for less than 36 hours prior to coming to hospital. We conclude that sputum Gram stain is a sensitive method for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia and is unaffected by a short period of prior antimicrobial treatment.
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