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[Culture-negative, purulent pericarditis]
D Vuichard1, M J Zellweger, M Altwegg
1Klinik für Infektiologie & Spitalhygiene, Universitätsspital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Schweiz. vuichardd@uhbs.ch
Abstract:
We report about a patient with purulent pericarditis due to Neisseria meningitidis pretreated with antibiotics. Clinical signs were suggestive of pericardial tamponade. Cultures from blood and pericardial aspirate remained negative. Broad-range polymerase chain reaction from pericardial fluid detected Neisseria sp.. Latex agglutination assay from pleural fluid showed positive reaction with meningococcal antigen serogroup C. Meningococcal pericarditis without meningitis is a rare manifestation. Non-culture based diagnostic methods in patients with such severe infections and negative cultures play an important role.
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