Rapid methods for detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children with atypical pneumonia

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an atypical pathogen, is increasingly recognized as a common and important human pathogen that is implicated in a wide spectrum of clinical diseases involving multiple body systems. The most common presentation is with respiratory illness. An accurate estimate of the extent of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in the general population is lacking, and infection is probably more extensive than currently accepted due to difficulties in culturing the organism from clinical samples and unreliable diagnostic laboratory tests. This study was undertaken to evaluate PCR, IgM ELISA, and direct antigen enzyme immunoassay [EIA] as rapid methods for diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection

Methods: We prospectively analyzed 21 children [12 males and 9 females; age, 1.5-18 years] admitted to MUPH with atypical pneumonia. They underwent clinical, radiological and laboratory examinations. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was diagnosed by PCR, IgM ELISA, and direct antigen EIA

Results: Among studied 21 cases, M. pneumoniae infection was diagnosed in 4/21 [19.05%] cases. Among 4 cases positive for M. pneumoniae, IgM was positive in 3 cases [75%], Antigen detection was positive in 3 cases [75%], and PCR was positive in 4 cases [100%]

Conclusion: Our data suggests an association between acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and atypical pneumonia in children. Absence of Coryza and presence of fine rales on chest auscultation in addition to the presence of thrombocytosis implicate M. pneumoniae infection

role of CA15.3 in cancer breast and its correlation with some other tumour markers

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum tumor markers [CA15-3, CEA and TNF] and ER receptors in serum and urine. It was done on 20 patients with breast cancer, 20 patients with benign breast lesions and 20 normal controls. A significant high level of the mean serum value of CA15-3 in cancer patients compared with benign and control groups. The mean preoperative levels returned nearly to normal in completely cured cases, while it was in a high level if there was metastasis or recurrence. In conclusion, serum CA15-3 and CEA levels could be valuable as a prognostic parameter and may have a role in monitoring patients with breast cancer. Other tested tumor markers, especially TNF may be complementary in this regard, while receptor patterns were important for determining the modality and response of treatment