Use of the polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of unsuspected herpes simplex viral pneumonia: Report of a case

摘要: Abstract A 30-year-old apparently immunocompetent woman presented with acute respiratory failure (acute distress syndrome). No etiologic agent was found, and she died 2 weeks later despite antibiotic therapy. Postmortem examination of the lungs showed diffuse organizing alveolar damage superimposed focal necrotizing peribronchiolar pneumonia. Culturesobtained from lung tissue were negative for virus, fungi, bacteria. Histopathologic electron microscopic studies that changes consistent herpesvirus infection. With use a new diagnostic tool, polymerase chain reaction, specific diagnosis herpes simplex virus pneumonia made, other viral agents excluded. The reaction is sensitive, specific, rapid technique may greatly facilitate establishing an infectious etiology in cases