Biomedical subjects

S Z Yeh

Publications and source records attributed to S Z Yeh.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1994

Detection of specific antibody to mycobacterial antigen 60 in tuberculous pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: With the development of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, serodiagnosis of tuberculosis has been studied by many investigators. Only a few studies have been performed in pleural fluid. This study was designed to evaluate the IgG antibody levels to mycobacterial antigen 60 (Ag60) in pleural fluid, and evaluate its role in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. METHODS: Eighteen patients with tuberculous pleural effusions and 18 patients with malignant pleural effusions were studied. The levels of IgG antibodies to Ag60 in pleural fluids were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: The mean titers of IgG against Ag60 in pleural fluids of tuberculous patients (508.3 +/- 382.7 EU) were significantly higher than those of the mean value of the malignant group (131.2 +/- 83.2 EU). In the TB pleurisy group, patients with positive M. tuberculosis cultures from pleural fluids had significantly higher titers than those with negative cultures (796.5 +/- 394.7 vs 277.8 +/- 150.2 EU); patients with impaired immune function had significantly lower titers than those without (138.4 +/- 28.9 vs 650.6 +/- 358.1 EU). Using 250 EU as a cutoff value for a positive test, the sensitivity was 72.2% and the specificity, 94.4%. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA method using Ag60 is a rapid test with an acceptable sensitivity and excellent specificity for differentiation between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

[Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum by polymerase chain reaction].

A method based on DNA amplification (PCR) and hybridization for the detection of M. tuberculosis was used to test 86 sputum specimens from 52 patients in whom tuberculosis was suspected. M. tuberculosis was detected in 35 specimens, with 1 false positive. The finding was negative in 51 specimens, of which 4 were false negative. Thirty-two specimens were positive by standard microbiological criteria (acid-fast stain and culture), and 54 specimens were negative (including 6 false negative). Of 38 specimens with definite diagnosis of tuberculosis, 89.5% (34/38) were positive by DNA amplification and 84.2% (32/38) by acid-fast stain and/or culture. The difference is not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The specificity was 97.9% (47/48) and 100% (48/48) by DNA amplification and acid-fast stain and/or culture, specificity was 97.9% (47/48) and 100% (48/48) by DNA amplification and acid-fast stain and/or culture, individually, and difference is also not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, PCR combined with specific DNA probe is more sensitive than the acid-fast stain method and faster than the culture method. Therefore it is useful for early detection of pulmonary mycobacterial infection.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Diffuse panbronchiolitis: report of a case.

A 33-year-old male presented with a productive cough of yellowish sputum which he had had for several years and progressive dyspnea on exertion that had been present for one year. Physical examination on admission disclosed clubbing of the fingers, diffuse inspiratory crackles and some rhonchi on auscultation. Plain chest film showed diffuse fine nodular lesions in both lungs. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated obstructive ventilatory impairment with a positive bronchodilator response. A CT scan of the chest showed diffuse fine nodular infiltrations in both lung fields. Arterial blood gas analysis of the patient, while breathing room air, revealed mild hypoxemia. The histologic findings of an open lung biopsy specimen were compatible with a diagnosis of diffuse panbronchiolitis. The patient was treated with erythromycin and a bronchodilator, and was regularly followed at the outpatient department. In this report, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria and recent advances in the treatment of diffuse panbronchiolitis are discussed.

Adult↗