Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
07:49
Using the Protozoan Paramecium caudatum as a Vehicle for Food-borne Infections in Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: January 7, 2019
29.3K
Pleural fluid infection caused by Dietzia cinnamea
Kelly A Cawcutt1, Micah M Bhatti2, Darlene R Nelson3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|June 18, 2016
Summary
Dietzia cinnamea, a rare bacterium, was identified in an immunocompromised patient's pleural fluid using advanced matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This highlights the growing capabilities of modern microbiology labs in detecting unusual pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
- Accurate identification of rare pathogens is crucial for effective treatment.
- Advancements in mass spectrometry are revolutionizing microbial identification.
Observation:
- Dietzia cinnamea was isolated from the pleural fluid of an immunocompromised patient.
- Standard blood culture techniques were employed for initial recovery.
- Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was utilized for precise identification.
Findings:
- Successful identification of Dietzia cinnamea, a previously rarely reported pathogen in human infections.
- Demonstration of MALDI-TOF MS as a powerful tool for identifying uncommon bacteria.
- Confirmation of the bacterium's presence in a clinical specimen.
Implications:
- Suggests that Dietzia species may be an underrecognized cause of infection in vulnerable populations.
- Emphasizes the importance of utilizing advanced diagnostic technologies in clinical laboratories.
- Highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding rare bacterial pathogens and their potential clinical significance.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
1000
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
1000
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
5.3K
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
5.3K
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
1.2K
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.2K
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
680
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
680
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
3.9K
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
3.9K
01:27Diversity of Protists II
2.0K
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
2.0K