[Induced sputum. Indication for examination in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia?]

Induced sputum is a simple, rapid, and non-invasive technique for detection of Pneumocystis carinii in patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. In this study 31 patients were examined both with induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage. P. carinii was found in 24 patients. In 68% of the samples obtained by the induced sputum method the microorganism was found after Giemsa or methenamine silver staining. In 32% the diagnosis was established in the lavage fluid only. Induced sputum is indicated in moderate cases of P. carinii infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage has to be performed in suspected cases where staining of induced sputum is negative and when coinfection with other microbial agents is suspected.